Organic-light-emitting diode and luminaire

ABSTRACT

Organic light-emitting diodes as well as luminaires with such organic light-emitting diodes are specified. The luminaires may in particular be the following apparatuses, or the luminaires are part of existing apparatuses: alarm, shower cubicle, shower head, solar protection, rain protection, lamp, bed, signalling light, changing cubicle, vision protection, housing, emergency lighting, mirror, slabs, ceiling lights, radiator cladding, blinds, noise protection, umbrella, warning light.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 USC 371of International Application No. PCT/DE2009/001741 filed on Dec. 9,2009.

This application claims the priority of German application no. 10 2008061 563.3 filed Dec. 11, 2008, the entire content of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Organic light-emitting diodes and luminaires are described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to provide organic light-emitting diodeswhich can be used particularly diversely. A further object is to provideluminaires which contain such organic light-emitting diodes as the lightsource.

The organic light-emitting diodes described below can be, for example,organic light-emitting diodes which are transparent, emit on both sides,emit white light, emit colored light; emit infrared radiation, emitlight diffusely, are rigid, are flexible and/or emit directionalradiation. The luminaires can be, for example, luminaires which are usedas an alarm clock, which form part of a shower cubicle, which form partof a shower head, which serve as solar protection, which serve as rainprotection, which are provided for general lighting, which can be usedin mobile fashion and/or which inherently combine a plurality of thesefunctions.

Embodiments of organic light-emitting diodes described here arepresented below. In this case, the embodiments of the organiclight-emitting diodes can be combined among one another in any desiredmanner.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises aradiation-emitting region in which electromagnetic radiation isgenerated during the operation of the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode generateselectromagnetic radiation in the spectral range from infrared radiationto UV radiation during operation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode emits infraredradiation during the operation of the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode emits coloredlight during the operation of the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode emits white lightduring the operation of the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises atleast one first charge carrier transport layer and at least one secondcharge carrier transport layer. By way of example, the organiclight-emitting diode comprises a hole transport layer and also anelectron transport layer as charge carrier transport layers.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, a hole transport layer of the organiclight-emitting diode comprises a matrix material that is p-doped.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, an electron transport layer of the organiclight-emitting diode comprises a matrix material that is n-doped.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, a hole transport layer of the organiclight-emitting diode comprises a matrix material and also a p-typedopant which has Lewis acid character or is a Lewis acid.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the matrix material and the dopant of at least onecharge carrier transport layer of the organic light-emitting diode arechosen in such a way that the organic light-emitting diode gives apredetermined color impression in the switched-off operating state. Thatis to say that, through a suitable choice of matrix material and dopant,the organic light-emitting diode appears for example transparent,bluish, reddish, greenish or in some other color in the switched-offstate. Furthermore, it is possible for the organic light-emitting diodeto appear white in the switched-off state. Furthermore, the organiclight-emitting diode can appear in different colors when viewed fromdifferent sides.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has a holetransport layer comprising a matrix material and a dopant that form acharge transfer complex. In this case, the charge transfer complex has afirst absorption spectrum. In this case, the hole transport layer has apredetermined color impression in the switched-off operating state ofthe organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the organic light-emittingdiode, the organic light-emitting diode comprises at least one firstelectrode and at least one second electrode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the organic light-emittingdiode, the organic light-emitting diode comprises at least onetransparent electrode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the transparent electrode is formed with atransparent conductive oxide (TCO).

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the transparent electrode is formed with a thin,transparent metal layer.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the transparent electrode is formed with atransparent conductive oxide (TCO) and a thin, transparent metal layer.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the transparent electrode is formed with a thin,transparent metal layer having a thickness of at least 1 nm and at most50 nm.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, at least one electrode of the organiclight-emitting diode is configured in reflective fashion.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the reflectivity of at least one electrode of theorganic light-emitting diode is at least 80%, particularly preferably atleast 90%. The reflectivity has these high values preferably at leastfor electromagnetic radiation generated in the organic light-emittingdiode during operation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has an electrodecomprising an LiF-containing layer on a side facing a radiation-emittingregion of the organic light-emitting diode. Preferably, the electrode isthen a cathode. By way of example, the electrode is in direct contactwith the LiF-containing layer. For example, said LiF-containing layercompletely covers the electrode at a main area, is in direct contactwith the electrode and consists of LiF.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises aradiation-emitting region comprising at least one emission layer whichcontains an organic material. During operation of the organiclight-emitting diode, electromagnetic radiation is generated in the atleast one emission layer.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, a radiation-emitting region of the organiclight-emitting diode comprises at least two emission layers which emitelectromagnetic radiation in different or the same wavelength rangesduring operation. By way of example, it is possible for one emissionlayer in the radiation-emitting region to emit colored light during theoperation of the organic light-emitting diode. The other emission layercan be designed to emit infrared radiation. Furthermore, it is possiblefor all the emission layers of the radiation-emitting region to emitcolored light. In this case, different emission layers can emit light ofdifferent colors, which is mixed for an external observer to form mixedlight, for example white mixed light.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the light-emitting diode comprises in aradiation-emitting region at least one emission layer suitable foremitting light from the spectral range for infrared light.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the light-emitting diode comprises in aradiation-emitting region at least one emission layer suitable foremitting light from the spectral range for red light.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the light-emitting diode comprises in aradiation-emitting region at least one emission layer suitable foremitting light from the spectral range for blue light.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the light-emitting diode comprises in aradiation-emitting region at least one emission layer suitable foremitting light from the spectral range for green light.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises a firstemission layer in the radiation-emitting region which emits red light, asecond emission layer which emits green light, and also a third emissionlayer which emits blue light.

In this case, the emission layers can be arranged to form a layer stackin the radiation-emitting region of the organic light-emitting diode.The emission layer facing the anode contains, for example, a matrixmaterial suitable for transporting holes. The emitter material is thenintroduced into the matrix material.

The emission layer facing a cathode of the organic light-emitting diodethen preferably contains a matrix material suitable for transportingelectrons, the emitter material being introduced into said matrixmaterial.

The emission layer arranged between the other two emission layers thenpreferably contains both a material suitable for transporting holes anda further material suitable for transporting electrons. For thispurpose, charge transporting layers respectively comprising a first anda second matrix material are preferably arranged between the emissionlayers. The first matrix material is then a hole transporting matrixmaterial, and the second matrix material is an electron conductingmatrix material.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises aradiation-emitting region having at least three emission layers whichemit white mixed light during operation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is a transparentorganic light-emitting diode. In this case, all the layers of theorganic light-emitting diode are embodied in radiation-transmissivefashion.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is embodied inpellucid fashion. That is to say that electromagnetic radiation thatpasses through the organic light-emitting diode is hardly scattered ornot scattered at all therein. If an organic light-emitting diodeembodied in pellucid fashion in this way is placed for example onto asheet of paper with printed text, then the text can still be readthrough the organic light-emitting diode. Preferably, at most 50% of theelectromagnetic radiation passing through in the wavelength range ofvisible light is scattered and/or absorbed upon passing through theorganic light-emitting diode. Particularly preferably, at most 25% ofthe electromagnetic radiation passing through in the wavelength range ofvisible light is scattered and/or absorbed upon passing through theorganic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is embodied inradiation-transmissive fashion such that at least 50% of the radiationpassing through is not absorbed in the organic light-emitting diode.Preferably, at least 75% of the radiation passing through is notabsorbed in the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is an organiclight-emitting diode which emits on both sides. That is to say that theorganic light-emitting diode emits electromagnetic radiation from tworadiation exit areas of the organic light-emitting diode duringoperation. The radiation exit areas can be arranged parallel to oneanother. Preferably, a radiation-emitting region of the organiclight-emitting diode is situated between the two radiation exit areas.In this case, the organic light-emitting diode can be embodied asradiation-transmissive or non-radiation-transmissive. The organiclight-emitting diode can furthermore be suitable for emittingelectromagnetic radiation having mutually different wavelengths fromboth radiation passage areas. By way of example, visible light can passthrough one radiation passage area, whereas infrared radiation passesthrough the other radiation passage area.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises atleast one charge transporting layer which comprises a hole transportingmatrix material and an electron transporting matrix material. The chargetransporting layer is then suitable for transporting both holes andelectrons.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises aradiation-transmissive electrode having a first layer composed of afirst TCO material, a second layer, composed of a second TCO material,and also a third layer, which is arranged between first and secondlayers and is embodied as a transparent metal layer. In this case, thefirst and second TCO materials preferably differ from one another. Thelayers can directly adjoin one another. In this case, the thickness ofthe metal layer is, for example, between at least 1 nm and at most 50nm, particularly preferably between at least 20 nm and at most 40 nm.The thin metal layer can be made so thin that it is netlike. In thiscase, it is possible that the first TCO layer and the second TCO layercan be situated in openings of the thin metal layer in direct contactwith one another. In this case, the organic light-emitting diode canhave, for example, an anode and/or a cathode embodied in each case inthe layer construction described. If both electrodes of the organiclight-emitting diode are embodied in the manner described, then theorganic light-emitting diode can be a radiation-transmissive, atransparent or a pellucid organic light-emitting diode. Furthermore, theorganic light-emitting diode can then be an organic light-emitting diodewhich emits on both sides and which is not embodied asradiation-transmissive, but rather emits electromagnetic radiationthrough both electrodes.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has a differentcolor expression in the switched-off operating state than in theswitched-on operating state. By way of example, the organiclight-emitting diode can appear bluish in the switched-off operatingstate, whereas it emits white light in the switched-on operating state.Furthermore, it is possible for the organic light-emitting diode to givea different color impression in each case from two main areas, forexample from two radiation passage areas, in the switched-off state.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is a transparentorganic light-emitting diode which emits on both sides and which appearscolored from both emission sides in the switched-off operating state andemits white light in the switched-on state. In this case, the coloredimpression can be different at the two emission sides of the organiclight-emitting diode. By way of example, the organic light-emittingdiode can appear red from one side, whereas it appears blue from theother side.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is encapsulated.That is to say that the organic light-emitting diode has at least oneencapsulation which permits a seal of the functional layers of theorganic light-emitting diode against environmental influences, such asmoisture or atmospheric gases. The functional layers of the organiclight-emitting diode are, for example, electrodes, charge carrierbarrier layers, charge carrier transport layers and/orradiation-emitting layers such as emission layers.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises atleast one first carrier. The first carrier can be a rigid carrier. Byway of example, the first carrier is then formed from a glass, from aceramic material or a metal. Furthermore, the first carrier can be aflexible carrier. The first carrier is then formed for example from afilm or from a laminate.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises asecond carrier alongside a first carrier. In this case, the secondcarrier can be formed from the same materials as the first carrier.Furthermore, it is possible for the first and second carriers to beformed from different materials. At least one of the carriers is atleast partly transmissive to electromagnetic radiation generated in theradiation-emitting region of the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the first carrier and the second carrier areformed with a glass. That is to say that the first carrier and thesecond carrier contain a glass or consist of a glass. By way of example,both carriers then consist of the same glass.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises atleast one carrier formed with a borosilicate glass. The organiclight-emitting diode can comprise two carriers, for example, whichconsist of this glass.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises atleast one carrier formed from a soda-lime glass. By way of example, theorganic light-emitting diode then comprises two carriers consisting ofthis glass.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises a firstcarrier, which is embodied as radiation-transmissive, and a secondcarrier, which is embodied as non-radiation-transmissive. By way ofexample, the second carrier is embodied as reflective and/or absorbentfor electromagnetic radiation generated in the radiation-emitting regionof the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises a firstcarrier and also a second carrier. Functional layers of the organiclight-emitting diode are arranged between first and second carriers.Furthermore, the first carrier and the second carrier are connected toone another by means of a connecting means, which laterally encloses thefunctional layers of the organic light-emitting diode and connects thetwo carriers to one another. In other words, the connecting means andthe two carriers form a cavity, in which the functional layers of theorganic light-emitting diode are arranged. The connecting means, thefirst carrier and the second carrier constitute the encapsulation or apart of the encapsulation of the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the connecting means comprises a glass soldermaterial. By way of example, the connecting means is formed by a glasssolder material. The glass solder material can directly adjoin the firstand/or the second carrier at least in places.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the connecting means comprises a glass fritmaterial. By way of example, the connecting means is formed by a glassfrit material. The glass frit material can directly adjoin the firstand/or the second carrier at least in places.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the connecting means comprises an adhesive. By wayof example, the connecting means is formed by an adhesive. The adhesivecan directly adjoin the first and/or the second carrier at least inplaces.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, both the first carrier and the second carrier areembodied as radiation-transmissive, transparent or pellucid. Suchcarriers are particularly well suited to the formation ofradiation-transmissive, transparent or pellucid organic light-emittingdiodes.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, at least one part of the encapsulation for thefunctional layers of the organic light-emitting diode is formed by aninsulation layer, which can contain at least one of the followingelectrically insulating materials: resist, epoxy resin, silicon oxide,silicon nitride. Alongside its properties for encapsulating thefunctional layers of an organic light-emitting diode described here, theinsulation layer can also serve for electrically insulating the firstelectrode of the organic light-emitting diode from a second electrode ofthe organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has at least onethin-film encapsulation which forms at least one part of theencapsulation of the organic light-emitting diode. The thin-filmencapsulation can produce a basic impermeability with respect toenvironmental influences, such as moisture and atmospheric gases, forthe functional layers of the organic light-emitting diode. By way ofexample, the thin-film encapsulation is produced by applying oxideand/or nitride layers to functional layers of the organic light-emittingdiode. The application can be effected by means of a PECVD method, forexample.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises adiffusion barrier for the purpose of encapsulation. The diffusionbarrier can be formed for example from an amorphous material, such asamorphous silicon dioxide, for example. The diffusion barrier can beapplied by means of atmospheric pressure plasma, for example, tofunctional layers of the organic light-emitting diode and/or aninsulation layer and/or a thin-film encapsulation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has anencapsulation comprising at least one first layer embodied as thin-filmencapsulation, and also a second layer embodied as diffusion barrier.Preferably, these two layers then directly adjoin one another at leastin places, wherein, for example, the thin-film encapsulation is appliedto functional layers of the organic light-emitting diode and thediffusion barrier is applied to the thin-film encapsulation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises adiffusion barrier having a thickness of at least 50 nm and at most 1000nm, preferably of at least 100 nm and at most 250 nm.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises adiffusion barrier for the purpose of encapsulation, said diffusionbarrier having at least two individual layers, wherein the individuallayers are deposited one above the other. Preferably, each of theindividual layers has a thickness of at least 50 nm and at most 100 nm.In this case, the diffusion barrier can be constructed from individuallayers consisting in each case of silicon dioxide or alternately ofsilicon dioxide and silicon nitride.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has a resistlayer for the purpose of encapsulation. The resist layer can be used forexample as an alternative or in addition to a diffusion barrier.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has a layer stackcomposed of a resist layer and a thin-film encapsulation, which are usedfor sealing the functional layers of the organic light-emitting diode.By way of example, the resist layer is arranged directly onto thefunctional layers of the organic light-emitting diode. The thin-filmencapsulation is then arranged directly on the resist layer. By way ofexample, the thin-film encapsulation then encloses the resist layer atall exposed areas of the thin-film encapsulation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the encapsulation of the organic light-emittingdiode comprises a pre-encapsulation layer, which can serve as aplanarization layer for a thin-film encapsulation of the organiclight-emitting diode. By way of example, the pre-encapsulation layer isa transparent oxide or a radiation-transmissive adhesive. Thepre-encapsulation layer can then cover a thin-film encapsulation inplaces, for example. Preferably, the pre-encapsulation layer then coversthe thin-film encapsulation at all exposed outer areas of the thin-filmencapsulation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises asencapsulation at least one first carrier and one second carrier whichare connected to one another by means of a connecting means, whichlaterally encloses the functional layers of the organic light-emittingdiode. At the same time, the encapsulation comprises between the twocarriers at least one of the following layers or encapsulationpossibilities: insulation layer, resist layer, pre-encapsulation layer,thin-film encapsulation layer, and/or diffusion barrier.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises atleast one encapsulation layer sequence having at least two encapsulationlayers for the purpose of encapsulation. By way of example, theencapsulation layer sequence has at least one first encapsulation layer,which can be applied by means of plasma enhanced chemical vapordeposition. In this case, the first encapsulation layer can directlyadjoin the functional layers of the organic light-emitting diode atleast in places. Alternatively, the first encapsulation layer can beapplied for example by means of deposition methods such as physicalvapor deposition, sputtering or the like.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the first encapsulation layer of the encapsulationlayer sequence has a thickness of at least 50 nm, preferably at least100 nm, particularly preferably of at least 1 μm.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the encapsulation layer sequence comprises atleast one second encapsulation layer which can be arranged directly onthe first encapsulation layer. That is to say that the secondencapsulation layer can be in direct contact with the firstencapsulation layer. By way of example, the second encapsulation layercovers the entire exposed outer area of the first encapsulation layer.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises asecond encapsulation layer deposited onto a first encapsulation layer bymeans of atomic layer deposition for the purpose of encapsulation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the second encapsulation layer has a thickness ofat least 1 nm, preferably of at least 10 nm, and at most 30 nm.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises a firstcarrier encapsulated at least in places with the encapsulation layersequence having a first encapsulation layer and a second encapsulationlayer. The first carrier can be a flexible carrier, for example, whichis formed by a plastic film or a laminate. That is to say that theencapsulation layer sequence can also be used for hermetically sealingcarriers for functional layers of the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the entire organic light-emitting diode is coveredwith the encapsulation layer sequence all around. In this case, it ispossible for the organic light-emitting diode to comprise a firstcarrier, a second carrier and also a connecting means, which form afirst encapsulation for the functional layers of the organiclight-emitting diode. The encapsulation layer sequence can then bearranged in places or completely at the exposed outer areas of firstcarrier, second carrier and/or connecting means. Furthermore, it is alsopossible for the functional layers additionally or alternatively to besealed directly with the encapsulation layer sequence. That is to saythat the functional layers of the organic light-emitting diode thendirectly adjoin the encapsulation layer sequence.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises theencapsulation layer sequence having a first encapsulation layer and asecond encapsulation layer for the purpose of encapsulation, wherein thefirst encapsulation layer and the second encapsulation layer eachcomprise an inorganic material, the first encapsulation layer isarranged directly on functional layers of the organic light-emittingdiode, and the second encapsulation layer is arranged directly on thefirst encapsulation layer.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises theencapsulation layer sequence having a first encapsulation layer, asecond encapsulation layer and a third encapsulation layer for thepurpose of encapsulation, wherein the third encapsulation layer isarranged directly on the functional layers of the organic light-emittingdiode, the first encapsulation layer is arranged directly on the thirdencapsulation layer, the second encapsulation layer is arranged directlyon the first encapsulation layer, the first and second encapsulationlayers each comprise an inorganic material, and the third encapsulationlayer comprises an amorphous inorganic material. In this case, it ispossible for the second and third encapsulation layers to be embodiedidentically.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises theencapsulation layer sequence having a first layer and a second layer,wherein the first encapsulation layer and the second encapsulation layereach comprise an inorganic material, the second encapsulation layer isarranged directly on the first encapsulation layer, and theencapsulation layer sequence is hermetically impermeable at atemperature of greater than or equal to 60° C. and at a relative airhumidity of greater than or equal to 85% for longer than 500 hours.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the first encapsulation layer and the secondencapsulation layer of the encapsulation layer sequence forencapsulating the organic light-emitting diode each have a volumestructure, wherein the volume structure of the second encapsulationlayer is independent of the volume structure of the first encapsulationlayer. In this case, the volume structure of the second encapsulationlayer preferably has a higher amorphicity than the volume structure ofthe first encapsulation layer. Particularly preferably, the secondencapsulation layer is amorphous.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the second encapsulation layer of theencapsulation layer sequence comprising first encapsulation layer andsecond encapsulation layer has a thickness having a thickness variationwhich is independent of a surface structure and/or a volume structure ofthe first encapsulation layer sequence. In this case, the thicknessvariation is preferably less than or equal to 10%.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises anencapsulation layer sequence having a plurality of first encapsulationlayers and a plurality of second encapsulation layers for the purpose ofencapsulation, wherein the first and the second encapsulation layers areapplied alternately one directly above another.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the encapsulation layer sequence completelyencloses the functional layers of the organic light-emitting diode. Inthis case, the encapsulation layer sequence can also completely enclosea first and/or a second carrier.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has a firstcarrier and a second carrier, and also the encapsulation layer sequencearranged between first and second carriers, for the purpose ofencapsulation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has a firstcarrier and a second carrier and also a connecting means, which connectsfirst and second carriers to one another, for the purpose ofencapsulation. Furthermore, the organic light-emitting diode has theencapsulation layer sequence having at least two encapsulation layers,which covers and thus encapsulates an interface between the connectingmeans and the first carrier and/or the second carrier.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode has a protectivelayer arranged between an organic layer sequence of the organiclight-emitting diode and an electrode of the organic light-emittingdiode. By way of example, said protective layer is a sputteringprotective layer that protects the organic layer sequence against damageduring the sputtering of electrode material onto the organic layersequence.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the sputtering protective layer contains orconsists of a transition metal oxide. In this case, the sputteringprotective layer can be in direct contact with an electrode of theorganic light-emitting diode and/or an organic layer of the organiclight-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the light emitted through at least one radiationexit area of the organic light-emitting diode does not have a Lambertianemission characteristic. By way of example, this electromagneticradiation then has a directional emission profile. That is to say thatin this case the emission of electromagnetic radiation is notsymmetrical, rather an intensified emission in the direction of a mainemission direction takes place.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode comprises astructured radiation exit area. By way of example, the radiation exitarea of the organic light-emitting diode is structured into amultiplicity of prisms arranged parallel to one another. The radiationexit area can then have first areas and second areas, for example,wherein the first areas are inclined by a first angle relative to aplane running for example parallel to a main extension plane of theorganic layer sequence of the organic light-emitting diode. The secondareas are then inclined by second angles relative to said plane.

By way of example, a carrier of the organic light-emitting diode iscorrespondingly structured in order to form the structured radiationexit area. Furthermore, it is possible for the encapsulation layersequence, for example the second encapsulation layer to becorrespondingly structured. Furthermore, it is also possible for acorrespondingly structured layer to be applied for example on a carrierfor the organic light-emitting diode or some other encapsulation for theorganic light-emitting diode. That is to say that the structuredradiation exit area can be formed by the structuring of an element ofthe encapsulation of the organic light-emitting diode. However, it isalso possible for the structured radiation exit area, for example in theform of a further layer, to be applied as an independent element ontothe encapsulation of the organic light-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the radiation exit area of the organiclight-emitting diode is structured into a multiplicity of prismsarranged parallel to one another. In this case, the prisms preferablyhave macroscopic orders of magnitude in one direction. In thisdirection, the length of the prisms can be at least 1 cm, preferably atleast 1 decimeter. In a direction perpendicular thereto, the prisms canhave an order of magnitude which is in the submillimeters range, suchthat no diffraction effects can occur at the prisms in this direction.By way of example, the length of the prisms in this direction is 500 μmor less.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, an irradiation exit area of the organiclight-emitting diode is structured into a multiplicity of first areasand second areas, wherein the first areas are embodied asradiation-transmissive and the second areas are embodied as reflective.In this way, electromagnetic radiation can leave the radiation passagearea only through the first areas. As a result, a directional emissionis effected through the first radiation passage area, in a mannerdependent on the first angle by which the first areas are inclined.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the organic light-emittingdiode, the organic light-emitting diode is an organic light-emittingdiode which emits on both sides and which has two radiation passageareas arranged at opposite sides of the organic light-emitting diode. Inthis embodiment, it is possible for both of the radiation exit areas tobe structured in the manner described. That is to say that directionalelectromagnetic radiation is then emitted by the organic light-emittingdiode through both radiation exit areas. Furthermore, it is alsopossible, however, for only one of the radiation exit areas to bestructured in the manner described. Electromagnetic radiation having aLambertian emission characteristic is then emitted by the organiclight-emitting diode from the other radiation exit area, for example.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, for the purpose of generating directionalelectromagnetic radiation, a radiation exit area of the organiclight-emitting diode is not structured, rather for example the top sideof a carrier of the organic light-emitting diode, to which carrier thefunctional layers of the organic light-emitting diode are applied, isstructured. By way of example, the carrier is then structured into amultiplicity of parallel prisms having first areas and second areas,which are arranged in a manner tilted with respect to one another. Thefunctional layers can then be applied to the first and/or to the secondareas at the top side of the carrier. In this case, it is possible thatfunctional layers which are arranged on different areas can be drivenseparately from one another. It is thus possible to realize for examplean organic light-emitting diode which alternately emits electromagneticradiation in two different main extension directions. In a simple case,the separate drivability can be achieved by virtue of at least oneelectrode of the organic light-emitting diode not being arrangedcontinuously over the entire organic layer sequence, but rather beingseparated into regions corresponding to the individual areas of thestructured carrier. By means of the angle that the areas of thestructured carrier form with one another and also the basic area of therespective areas it is possible to set a specific desired emissioncharacteristic, that is to say a desired emission direction and emissionintensity of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the organiclight-emitting diode during operation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is provided forilluminating an area to be illuminated, on which the organiclight-emitting diode is fixed at least indirectly. That is to say thatthe organic light-emitting diode is arranged at least indirectly on anelement to be illuminated having an area to be illuminated. In thiscase, the organic light-emitting diode can be adhesively bonded onto theelement to be illuminated by means of a transparent adhesive, forexample. Other fixing methods such as hook and loop fasteners, screwconnections, clamping connections, press-fit connections or the like arealso possible. The organic light-emitting diode is preferably embodiedas transparent or pellucid at least in places, such that, in theswitched-off state, the area to be illuminated can be discerned throughthe organic light-emitting diode. The area to be illuminated can be, forexample, the surface of a tile, of a poster, of a slab, of a trafficsign, of an information board, of a sign, of an image, of a mirror, of aglass pane, or of any other element.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is designed forilluminating an area to be illuminated, wherein the organiclight-emitting diode emits during operation a first component ofelectromagnetic radiation, which passes toward the outside directly fromthe radiation-emitting region of the organic light-emitting diodewithout impinging beforehand on the area to be illuminated. Furthermore,the radiation has a second component, which, before emerging from theorganic light-emitting diode, impinges on the area to be illuminated andhas been at least partly reflected by the latter.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the relative ratio of the intensities of the tworadiation components mentioned, that is to say of the intensities ofindirectly emerging electromagnetic radiation and directly emergingelectromagnetic radiation, can be set and chosen by means of an opticalcavity and/or by means of first electrodes and second electrodes of theorganic light-emitting diode that are set with different degrees oftransparency.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is a transparentor pellucid organic light-emitting diode arranged on an area to beilluminated of an element to be illuminated, wherein the area to beilluminated is visible through the organic light-emitting diode in theswitched-off state of the organic light-emitting diode. In theswitched-on state, the intensity of the directly emitted electromagneticradiation in comparison with the indirectly emitted electromagneticradiation can then be chosen to be so great that the area to beilluminated is no longer discernible. That is to say that the organiclight-emitting diode can be switched from a transparent operating stateto a luminous operating state in which an area arranged behind theorganic light-emitting diode is no longer discernible. Such an intensitydistribution can be achieved by means of an optical cavity, for example.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is a transparentorganic light-emitting diode wherein an electrically switchable opticalelement is arranged at a radiation exit area. The electricallyswitchable optical element is, for example, an electrically switchablediffuser or an electrochromic material. Such an arrangement of organiclight-emitting diode and electrically switchable element can be used forexample in conjunction with an element to be illuminated, wherein theelement to be illuminated can be, for example, a mirror or a transparentelement such as a glass plate. By means of the electrically switchableoptical element, such an arrangement can be switched for example fromtransparent to opalescent. In this way, a concealing screen that can beswitched on and off can be realized, for example, which can also beutilized as a luminaire.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the electrically switchable optical element isembodied in structured fashion. That is to say that the electricallyswitchable optical element is applied in a specific pattern, forexample, to a radiation exit area of the organic light-emitting diode.In this way, by way of example, information or a decoration can beinserted into the beam path of the organic light-emitting diode upon theelectrically switchable optical element being switched on and can bemasked out again upon the electrically switchable optical element beingswitched off.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is embodied atleast as radiation-transmissive and is arranged with one of itsradiation exit areas on a reflective optical element such as a mirror ora retroreflector.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, the organic light-emitting diode is embodied inradiation-transmissive fashion and arranged with one of its radiationexit areas on a reflective optical element such as mirror or aretroreflector. Furthermore, a color filter is arranged at the oppositeradiation exit area of the organic light-emitting diode. The colorfilter has, for example, a high transmission for a first spectralsubrange of the visible wavelength spectrum and high absorption for asecond spectral subrange of the visible wavelength spectrum. Anintensity maximum of the electromagnetic radiation generated by theorganic light-emitting diode during operation lies within the firstspectral subrange transmitted by the color filter. Advantageously, thatproportion of the ambient light which is reflected back from thereflective element to the radiation exit area and is coupled out fromthe organic light-emitting diode in this way produces substantially thesame color impression as the light emitted by the organic light-emittingdiode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, an organic light-emittingdiode described here comprises a reflective layer which reflectselectromagnetic radiation impinging on the light-emitting diode fromoutside back in the direction of the radiation exit area of the organiclight-emitting diode. The organic light-emitting diode furthermorecomprises, at the radiation exit area, a color filter, such that theorganic light-emitting diode brings about the same color impressionindependently of the operating state. That is to say that the organiclight-emitting diode has the same color impression in the switched-offoperating state as in the switched-on operating state.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, a touch sensor is integrated into the organiclight-emitting diode. By way of example, the touch sensor is acapacitively or resistively operating touch sensor. That is to say thatthe organic light-emitting diode forms for example a light source andsimultaneously an operating element.

Luminaires are specified below which are provided for example forgeneral lighting or as lights in road traffic. In this case, theluminaires can comprise organic light-emitting diodes described here aslight sources. The luminaires can furthermore comprise any combinationof organic light-emitting diodes described as light sources.Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the luminaires describedhere or elements of the luminaires described here to form furtherluminaires.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises at least one organic light-emitting diodein accordance with at least one embodiment described here.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is designed for general lighting and furthermore hasa wake-up function. That is to say that the luminaire can be operated inthe manner of an alarm clock in one operating state of the luminaire.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises a driving device, by means of which anactivation time—for example a wake-up time—can be set by the user of theluminaire. At said activation time, the luminaire then starts to emitlight.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is designed for general lighting and as an alarmclock, wherein the luminaire comprises at least one transparent,pellucid organic light-emitting diode in accordance with at least one ofthe previous embodiments. The organic light-emitting diode can bearranged, for example, in front of an area to be illuminated, which isvisible through the organic light-emitting diode in the switched-offoperating state of the luminaire.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire comprises a driving device, which, starting from a specificactivation time, increases the light intensity of the light emitted bythe luminaire, for example continuously.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises a driving device, which is designed toincrease, starting from an activation time, the light intensity of thelight emitted by the luminaire in steps, wherein for predeterminabletimes, the luminaire generates light having a constant light intensity,which is increased in predeterminable time intervals.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is designed to generate light having a lightintensity of between zero and at least 1000 cd, preferably at least 5000cd, particularly preferably at least 10 000 cd. By way of example, forthis purpose the luminaire comprises at least one organic light-emittingdiode having a phosphorescent emitter material in itsradiation-generating region. The organic light-emitting diode can alsocomprise fluorescent emitter materials in its radiation-generatingregion, in addition to the phosphorescent emitter material.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises at least one touch-sensitive operatingelement which can be operated by the user of the luminaire by means of atouch sensor. The operating element can be arranged for example in aradiation exit area of the luminaire. Particularly preferably, anorganic light-emitting diode in accordance with at least one of theprevious embodiments which has an integrated touch sensor is employedfor forming the touch-sensitive operating element.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire can be operated by means of a remote control. By way ofexample, the remote control can exchange information with the luminaireby means of radio or infrared radiation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire is subdivided into a multiplicity of segments. By way ofexample, different segments can be suitable for generatingelectromagnetic radiation having different wavelengths.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises a driving device, which is designed toincrease the color temperature of the light emitted by the luminairecontinuously or in steps.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire is designed to generate light, preferably white light havingcolor temperatures of at least 4000 K to color temperatures of at most25 000 K.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises a driving device, which is designed toincrease the light intensity and also the color temperature of the lightgenerated by the luminaire during operation in steps or continuously,wherein the light intensity is increased, for example, as the colortemperature is increased.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is designed to simulate a sunrise in time-lapsefashion. That is to say that, starting from a specific start time, theluminaire generates white light, in the case of which the colortemperature is increased continuously or in steps from at least 4000 Kto at most 25 000 K, wherein the light intensity is simultaneouslyincreased from 0 cd to a maximum of 10 000 cd. In this case, the rise inthe color temperature can take place at the same time or independentlyof a rise in the light intensity.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire serves as a splash guard alongside its use as alight for general lighting. By way of example, the luminaire forms thepart of a shower cubicle. Thus, the luminaire can form the part of awall of a shower cubicle or can be arranged on a wall of the showercubicle. Furthermore, it is possible for the luminaire to form the wallfor the shower cubicle.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire comprises at least two carriers between which at least oneorganic light-emitting diode or functional layers of an organiclight-emitting diode are arranged. In this case, preferably at least oneof the carriers is embodied such that it scatters light diffusely, withthe result that the luminaire is not pellucid, but rather also serves asa concealing screen.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire comprises at least one organic light-emitting diode having atleast one double encapsulation. In this case, double encapsulation meansthat at least two of the possibilities described here for encapsulatingan organic light-emitting diode are used in combination in order, inthis way, to obtain a particularly well hermetically sealed organiclight-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is designed to come directly into contact withwater.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is designed to be adhesively bonded in the sense ofa transfer onto the wall of a shower cubicle.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises at least one inorganic light-emittingdiode as light source of the luminaire.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises at least one organic light-emitting diodeas light source and also at least one inorganic light-emitting diode aslight source.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has at least one carrier formed with aradiation-transmissive material suitable for guiding light. By way ofexample, the carrier is a glass plate.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, at least one inorganic light-emitting diode is arranged at thecarrier of the luminaire, said carrier being embodied as an opticalwaveguide, said at least one inorganic light-emitting diode couplingelectromagnetic radiation into the optical waveguide. Theelectromagnetic radiation coupled in can, for example, be distributed inthe optical waveguide and be emitted toward the outside by the latterover a large area.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has an operating state in which infrared radiationis generated. By way of example, the infrared radiation is used forwarming a user of the luminaire, for deicing a pane or for heating amoist environment. For example, by means of the infrared radiation, theuser of a shower cubicle comprising the luminaire can be warmed and/orthe shower cubicle can be dried by means of the infrared radiation afterthe conclusion of showering. In this case, the infrared radiation can begenerated by at least one inorganic or by at least one organiclight-emitting diode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire is suitable for emitting ultraviolet radiation duringoperation. By way of example, the ultraviolet radiation is generated byat least one inorganic light-emitting diode of the luminaire. In thiscase, the ultraviolet radiation can be used for tanning a user of theluminaire and/or for disinfecting the environment of the luminaire. Byway of example, a luminaire embodied as a splash guard in a shower orintegrated in a shower head can be used in this way.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire is integrated in a shower or in a bath tub. By way of example,the luminaire forms a splash guard or is part of a shower head. Theluminaire can then serve as an indicating device for the watertemperature. By way of example, the luminaire can be suitable foremitting blue light, which indicates cold water. Furthermore, theluminaire can be suitable for emitting red light, which indicates hotwater, and mixed colors comprising red and blue components forindicating warm water.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the color locus, the light intensity and/or the color temperaturecan be adjustable by means of the mixing faucet of a water supply. Forthis purpose, the mixing faucet is connected to a driving device for theluminaire.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire can comprise a touch-sensitive operating element, by means ofwhich, in addition to operating states of the luminaire, it is alsopossible to set the water temperature and/or the water pressure forexample in a shower cubicle or in a bath tub.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire serves as a light for general lighting and forms atleast the part of a spray or shower head.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is in direct contact with water during operation.That is to say that, for example, water washes around a carrier of theluminaire. In this case, water can wash around the luminaire while thelatter is in a switched-on operating state.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is in direct contact with water, wherein the waterserves as an optical waveguide for the electromagnetic radiationgenerated by the luminaire. That is to say that the light generated bythe luminaire during operation is at least partly coupled into at leastone water jet in which it can propagate like in an optical waveguide. Inthis way it is possible—for example upon illumination of a multiplicityof water jets with different colors—to give the impression of a rainbow.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises at least one organic light-emitting diodehaving an opening. In this case, the opening preferably extendscontinuously from one main side of the organic light-emitting diode tothe opposite main side of the organic light-emitting diode. The openingcan be closed at the edge with a connecting means such as a glass soldermaterial or a glass frit. Furthermore, it is possible to employ evenfurther measures for sealing the organic light-emitting diode in theregion of the opening, such as an encapsulation layer sequence, athin-film encapsulation, a diffusion barrier or the like. Preferably,water flows through the opening in at least one operating state of theorganic light-emitting diode. In this case, it is also possible for theorganic light-emitting diode to have a multiplicity of openings throughwhich water can flow during the operation of the organic light-emittingdiode.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire, alongside a light for general lighting, is a mirrorand also a display device for displaying simple graphical elements. Inthis case, the luminaire can be used for example as a bathroom mirror orwardrobe mirror. The luminaire preferably has at least three operatingstates: a first operating state, in which the luminaire serves forgeneral lighting and emits light, a second operating state, in which theluminaire actively emits no electromagnetic radiation and serves as amirror, and also a third operating state, in which the luminairedisplays simple graphical elements such as patterns or the like. In thethird operating state, the luminaire can additionally serve as a mirrorand/or for general lighting, wherein the emitted light intensity is thenpreferably reduced in comparison with the first operating state.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises a structured electrically switchableelement. The electrically switchable element is structured in accordancewith a predetermined pattern, for example. If the electricallyswitchable optical element is operated in a switched-on electricaloperating state, for example, the pattern to be represented is visible.The electrically switchable optical element is, for example, anelectrically switchable diffuser or an electrochromic material. By wayof example, the electrically switchable optical element can be used in aluminaire serving for general lighting and as a mirror.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire can be operated by means of gesture control. That isto say that the luminaire comprises an optical sensor, for example acamera, and also an evaluation circuit for evaluating the signals of theoptical sensor. A switch-on, switch-off or other changes of operatingstates can then be effected by means of gesture control.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire forms a tile or the part of a tile. Preferably, theluminaire is embodied in non-slip fashion in this case.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises two carriers between which spacers arearranged at regular distances. The spacers can be posts or dams, forexample, which connect the two carriers to one another. The spacers are,for example, formed with a glass solder or a glass frit material orconsist of one of these materials.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire serves as wall or floor heating. In this case, theluminaire need not necessarily be suitable for generating visibleelectromagnetic radiation. It is sufficient, for example, if theluminaire comprises at least one organic light-emitting diode suitablefor generating infrared radiation. Furthermore, it is possible for theluminaire to comprise organic light-emitting diodes which emit infraredradiation and also organic light-emitting diodes which emit visiblelight. Furthermore, it is possible for the luminaire to comprise atleast one organic light-emitting diode which comprises, in itsradiation-generating region, an emission layer comprising aninfrared-emitting emitter material, and also at least one emission layercomprising an emitter material which emits colored light.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the luminaire, theluminaire is embodied in flexible fashion and can be applied to acarrier in the manner of a transfer. By way of example, the carrier isan element to be illuminated. In this case, the luminaire can beembodied such that it is transparent and emits on both sides, such thatthe element to be illuminated by the luminaire is visible during theoperation of the luminaire. By way of example, the luminaire can, inthis way, be adhesively bonded onto a tile which is presented in amanner highlighted by means of the luminaire.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire can be operated by means of induction or capacitivedriving. That is to say that, in this case, the luminaire has noexternal connection conductors that are connected to a current source.Rather, the luminaire comprises for example an antenna suitable forpicking up electromagnetic radiation, with which the luminaire isoperated.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, a large-area luminaire having a multiplicity of organiclight-emitting diodes is involved. In this case, the organiclight-emitting diodes can be arranged for example in a combined seriesand parallel circuit. The large-area, segmented luminaire can form, forexample, a ceiling light or solar protection.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises at least two organic light-emitting diodeswhich are suitable for generating light of mutually different colors.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises at least two organic light-emitting diodeswhich are mechanically connected to one another by means of connectionconductors. Alongside a mechanical stabilization of the luminaire, theconnection conductors then also serve for making electrical contact withthe organic light-emitting diodes of the luminaire.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is embodied in flexible fashion, such that it isbendable. In this case, it is possible for the luminaire to maintain itsform after bending. That is to say that the luminaire can be brought toa desired form by the user of the luminaire by bending, for example.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has a luminous area comprising an area content of atleast 0.1 m².

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has a luminous area having an area content of atleast 0.5 m².

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has a luminous area having an area content of atleast 1.0 m².

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has a luminous area having an area content of atleast 2.5 m².

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has a luminous area having an area content of atleast 5.0 m².

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has a luminous area having an area content of atleast 10.0 m².

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire serves for covering a device used for cooling orheating a room. By way of example, the device is a radiator, anair-conditioning system or a ventilation shaft.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire serves as a simple temperature indicator. By way ofexample, the luminaire in this case comprises a temperature sensor,which detects the ambient temperature or the temperature of an object towhich the luminaire is connected. In this case, the luminaire emitslight having a color locus and/or a color temperature which iscorrelated with the measured temperature.

By way of example, the luminaire is applied as a covering directly on aradiator. In this case, the luminaire, depending on the temperature ofthe radiator, can emit bluish light—for a cold radiator—or reddishlight—for a warm radiator.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has a rear wall comprising at least one coolingdevice. The cooling device can be, for example, cooling lamellae,cooling channels, or a water cooling system.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire can be fixed to a further element by means of afixing means. By way of example, the fixing means is an adhesive strip,a magnet, screws, clamps or a hook and loop fastener.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire has a driving device, by means of which theluminaire can be operated in a flickering manner. That is to say theluminaire emits light which flickers like a candle. This can berealized, for example, by means of a temporal variation of the currentintensity with which the luminaire is operated.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire serves as a desk lamp for illuminating a work area.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire emits electromagnetic radiation in a directionalmanner. For this purpose, the luminaire can comprise, for example, anorganic light-emitting diode that emits directional light. Furthermore,it is possible for the luminaire to have a structured radiation exitarea that leads to a directional emission of light by means of lightrefraction and/or light reflection.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is used as a light for general lighting and as aroom divider. In this case, the luminaire can be embodied as alarge-area luminaire, for example, which is embodied not as transparentand not as pellucid, but rather such that it scatters light diffusely.In this way, the luminaire can also serve as a concealing screen.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is a luminaire which emits on both sides and whichis embodied such that it scatters light diffusely. That is to say thatthe luminaire has at least two oppositely arranged radiation exit areasthrough which, for example, light can leave the luminaire. In this case,the luminaire is embodied as visually impenetrable, such that it servesas a concealing screen.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is embodied such that it can be rolled up andunrolled. By way of example, for this purpose, the luminaire can besubdivided into individual segments which are each formed by a singleorganic light-emitting diode or at least two organic light-emittingdiodes which, in turn, can be embodied in rigid fashion. Furthermore, itis possible for the luminaire to be embodied as fully flexible and to beable to be unrolled and rolled up in this way. In this case, theluminaire can comprise, for example, a single organic light-emittingdiode embodied in flexible fashion.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire also serves for sound insulation alongside itsproperty as a light for general lighting. By way of example, in thiscase, the luminaire comprises an insulating material suitable foracoustic insulation.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is embodied as a louver. The luminaire in this casecomprises, for example, a multiplicity of organic light-emitting diodeswhich are electrically contact-connected and mechanically connected toone another by means of a holding device.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire serves for room darkening and/or as a concealingscreen. That is to say that the luminaire can have a radiation exit areafacing away from a window, for example. That side of the luminaire whichfaces away from the radiation exit area can comprise aradiation-absorbing or radiation-reflecting area facing the window.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, at least parts of the luminaire form an enclosure having at leastone side wall and, if appropriate, a top. The luminaire or at leastparts of the luminaire can then form, for example, a changing cubicle, apassenger shelter, a rain shelter or the like. By way of example, allthe walls and top parts of the enclosure are formed by at least oneluminaire.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises a light barrier, by means of which anoperating state of the luminaire can be switched. By way of example, theluminaire can be switched on or off by means of the light barrier.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire forms a dividing wall in an open-plan office.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire forms solar protection alongside its properties forgeneral lighting. In this case, the luminaire can have, for example, anouter area that faces away from the radiation exit area of the luminaireand is formed in absorbent or reflective fashion.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire comprises at least one solar cell suitable forgenerating electric current upon irradiation with sunlight. By way ofexample, the at least one solar cell is arranged on a side of theluminaire which lies opposite the radiation exit area of the luminaire.The luminaire can furthermore comprise a rechargeable battery that canbe charged with light of the solar cell. In this way, by way of example,a quantity of current generated during the day by means of the solarcell can serve for generating light in conditions of poor visibility.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is emergency lighting. By way of example, theemergency lighting can be operated by means of solar power generated bythe luminaire.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire forms at least part of a garment or of a bag. Inthis case, the luminaire can comprise at least one organiclight-emitting diode with a retroreflector, such that the luminaireincreases the visibility of the user of the luminaire even in theswitched-off operating state.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is an umbrella. The umbrella can comprise an organiclight-emitting diode and/or at least one inorganic light-emitting diodeas light source. Furthermore, it is possible for the umbrella tocomprise both inorganic and organic light-emitting diodes as lightsources.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire is integrated into the window of a motor vehicle. Inthis case, it is possible for only parts of the window to comprise anorganic light-emitting diode. Furthermore, it is also possible, however,for the entire window of the motor vehicle to be formed by a transparentorganic light-emitting diode. By way of example, all the windows of themotor vehicle can then be formed by organic light-emitting diodes.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire forms an indicator device or a signal light of amotor vehicle. By way of example, the luminaire is a brake light, anindicator light, a rear light or the like. In this case, the luminairecan form at least part of a window of a motor vehicle.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of a luminaire describedhere, the luminaire forms a warning sign or a traffic sign.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The organic light-emitting diodes described here and also the luminairesdescribed here will be explained in greater detail below on the basis ofexemplary embodiments in relation to the associated figures.

FIG. 1 shows, on the basis of a schematic band diagram, the constructionof an organic light-emitting diode in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, theconstruction of an organic light-emitting diode in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, theconstruction of an organic light-emitting diode in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment, wherein the organic light-emitting diode 1 emitswhite light during operation.

FIG. 4 shows a transparent first electrode for one exemplary embodimentof an organic light-emitting diode described here.

FIG. 5 shows a transparent second electrode for one exemplary embodimentof an organic light-emitting diode described here.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show, on the basis of schematic sectionalillustrations, the construction of organic light-emitting diodes inaccordance with different exemplary embodiments which give a desiredcolored impression in the switched-off operating state.

FIG. 7 shows, on the basis of a schematic plan view, one exemplaryembodiment of an organic light-emitting diode encapsulated by means of aconnecting means.

FIG. 8 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, oneexemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode encapsulated bymeans of a connecting means.

FIG. 9 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, oneexemplary embodiment for the encapsulation of an organic light-emittingdiode.

FIGS. 10 to 13, 14A and 14B show, on the basis of schematic sectionalillustrations, exemplary embodiments of organic light-emitting diodeswhich are sealed by means of resist layers, insulation layers, diffusionbarriers, thin-film encapsulations and/or pre-encapsulation layers.

FIGS. 15 to 19 show, on the basis of schematic sectional illustrations,exemplary embodiments of organic light-emitting diodes which are sealedby means of an encapsulation layer sequence.

FIG. 20 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, oneexemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode with asputtering protective layer.

FIGS. 21 to 25 show, on the basis of schematic illustrations, theconstruction of organic light-emitting diodes having a directionalemission profile in accordance with different exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 26A, 26B and 27 show, on the basis of schematic sectionalillustrations, the construction of exemplary embodiments of organiclight-emitting diodes which are used for illuminating an element to beilluminated.

FIG. 28 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, theconstruction of one exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode 1 with a wavelength conversion substance disposed downstreamthereof.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show, on the basis of schematic sectional illustrations,exemplary embodiments of organic light-emitting diodes which each have aretroreflector.

FIGS. 31A and 31B show, on the basis of schematic sectionalillustrations, one exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here wherein the organic light-emitting diode comprisesa touch sensor.

FIGS. 32A to 32I show, on the basis of schematic illustrations,exemplary embodiments of a luminaire described here which has a wake-upfunction.

FIGS. 33A to 33D show, on the basis of schematic illustrations,exemplary embodiments of a luminaire described here which constitutes asplash guard.

FIGS. 34A, 34B, 34C and 35 show, on the basis of schematicillustrations, further exemplary embodiments of a luminaire whichconstitutes a splash guard.

FIGS. 36, 37A, 37B, 38, 39A, 39B, 40A, 40B show, on the basis ofschematic illustrations, exemplary embodiments of a luminaire describedhere with a shower head.

FIGS. 41A to 41D and 42A to 42C show, on the basis of schematicillustrations, one exemplary embodiment of a luminaire described herewhich can be utilized as a mirror.

FIGS. 43 and 44A, 44B show, on the basis of schematic illustrations, oneexemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here which can be utilizedas a tile.

FIGS. 45A to 45C and 46A, 46B show, on the basis of schematicillustrations, one exemplary embodiment of a luminaire described herewhich forms a large-area ceiling light.

FIGS. 47A to 47D, 48 to 49A, 49B show, on the basis of schematicillustrations, one exemplary embodiment of a luminaire described herewhich serves for covering an object.

FIGS. 50A to 50D show, on the basis of schematic illustrations,exemplary embodiments of luminaires 2 described here which can be usedas large-area desk lights.

FIGS. 51A, 51B, 52A to 52C and 53 show, on the basis of schematicillustrations, exemplary embodiments of luminaires 2 described herewhich can be used as room dividers.

FIGS. 54A to 54C show, on the basis of schematic illustrations,exemplary embodiments of luminaires 2 described here which can be usedas louvers.

FIGS. 55A to 55D show, on the basis of schematic illustrations,exemplary embodiments of luminaires 2 described here which can be usedas changing cubicles.

FIGS. 56A to 56C show, on the basis of schematic illustrations, anexemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here which can be used assolar protection.

FIGS. 57A and 57B show, on the basis of schematic illustrations, oneexemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here which forms a bag.

FIGS. 58A and 58B show, on the basis of schematic illustrations oneexemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here which serves as anemergency light.

FIG. 59 shows, on the basis of a schematic illustration, one exemplaryembodiment of a luminaire described here which can be used asadvertising means on vehicles.

FIGS. 60A to 60D show, on the basis of schematic illustrations, oneexemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here which serves as anumbrella.

FIGS. 61A to 61C show, on the basis of schematic illustrations,exemplary embodiments of luminaires which are used as signal lamps in amotor vehicle.

FIGS. 62 and 63 show, on the basis of a schematic illustration,exemplary embodiments of a luminaire which is used for illumination in amotor vehicle.

FIGS. 64A to 64C show, on the basis of schematic illustrations,exemplary embodiments of a luminaire which is used as a warning sign.

FIGS. 65A to 65C show, on the basis of schematic illustrations,exemplary embodiments of a luminaire which forms rain protection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements which are identical, of identical type or act identically areprovided with the same reference symbols in the figures. The figures andthe size relationships of the elements illustrated in the figures amongone another should not be regarded as to scale. Rather, individualelements may be illustrated with an exaggerated size in order to enablebetter illustration and/or in order to afford a better understanding.

FIG. 1 shows, on the basis of a schematic band diagram, the constructionof an organic light-emitting diode 1 in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 comprises a first electrode 101. Thefirst electrode is an anode, for example. Via the first electrode 1,positive charge carriers—so-called holes—are impressed into the organiclight-emitting diode.

The hole transport layer 102 adjoins the first electrode 101. The holetransport layer 102 transports the positive charge carriers toward theradiation-emitting region 104 of the organic light-emitting diode 1.

The hole transport layer 102 is succeeded by an electron barrier layer103, which prevents the penetration of electrons from theradiation-emitting region 104 into the hole transport layer 102.

The electron barrier layer 3 is succeeded by the radiation-emittingregion 104. During the operation of the organic light-emitting diode 1,electromagnetic radiation is generated in the radiation-emitting region.Therefore, the emission 108 of electromagnetic radiation occurs in theradiation-emitting region. Preferably, electromagnetic radiation in thespectral range of infrared radiation to UV radiation is generated inthis case. The radiation-emitting region is explained in greater detailfor example with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The radiation-emitting region 104 is succeeded by a hole barrier layer105, which prevents the penetration of positive charge carriers into theadjoining electron transport layer 106.

The electron transport layer 106 adjoins the hole barrier layer 105 andtransports negative charge carriers—electrons—from the second electrode107, embodied as a cathode, to the radiation-emitting region 104.

The hole transport layer 102 and the electron transport layer 106 arefirst and second charge carrier transport layers. The hole transportlayer 102 and the electron transport layer 106 comprise, for example, amatrix material that is p- and n-doped, respectively.

Depending on the embodiment of the charge carrier transport layer ashole transport layer 102 or as electron transport layer 106, the matrixmaterial can be selected from a group comprising phenanthrolinederivatives, imidazole derivatives, triazole derivatives, oxadiazolederivatives, phenyl-containing compounds, compounds comprising condensedaromatics, carbazole-containing compounds, fluorene derivatives,spirofluorene derivatives and pyridine-containing compounds and alsocombinations of at least two or more of the materials mentioned.

For a charge carrier transport layer embodied as hole transport layer102, the following matrix materials, in particular, are suitable:

-   N,N′-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)benzidine (NPB),-   N,N′-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)benzidine (β-NPB),-   N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)benzidine (TPD),-   N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)-9,9-spirobifluorene    (spiro-TPD),-   N,N′-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)-9,9-spirobifluorene    (spiro-NPB),-   N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)-9,9-dimethylfluorene    (DMFL-TPD),-   N,N′-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)-9,9-dimethylfluorene    (DMFL-NPB),-   N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)-9,9-diphenylfluorene    (DPFL-TPD),-   N,N′-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)-9,9-diphenylfluorene    (DPFL-NPB),-   2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-diphenylamino)-9,9′-spirobifluorene    (spiro-TAD),-   9,9-bis[4-(N,N-bisbiphenyl-4-yl-amino)phenyl]-9H-fluorene (BPAPF),-   9,9-bis[4-(N,N-bisnaphthalen-2-yl-amino)phenyl]-9H-fluorene (NPAPF),-   9,9-bis[4-(N,N-bisnaphthalen-2-yl-N,N′-bisphenylamino)phenyl]-9H-fluorene    (NPBAPF),-   2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis[N-naphthalenyl(phenyl)amino]-9,9-spirobifluorene    (spiro-2NPB),-   N,N′-bis(phenanthren-9-yl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)benzidine (PAPB),-   2,7-bis[N,N-bis(9,9-spirobifluorene-2-yl)amino]-9,9-spirobifluorene    (spiro-S),-   2,2′-bis[N,N-bis(biphenyl-4-yl)amino]-9,9-spirobifluorene    (2,2′-spiro-DBP),-   2,2′-bis(N,N-diphenylamino)-9,9-spirobifluorene (spiro-BPA).

The dopant for the hole transport layer 102 is a p-type dopant and canin this case comprise or be a metal oxide, an organometallic compound,an organic material or a mixture thereof. Additionally or alternatively,the dopant can comprise a plurality of different metal oxides and/or aplurality of different organometallic compounds and/or a plurality ofdifferent organic compounds. In particular, the dopant can have Lewisacid character or be a Lewis acid. Lewis acids, that is to say electronpair acceptors, can be particularly well suited to forming chargetransfer complexes.

The dopant can comprise one or a plurality of metal oxides comprisingone or a plurality of metals, wherein the metals are selected fromtungsten, molybdenum, vanadium and rhenium. Particularly preferably, thedopant can comprise one or a plurality of the metal oxides WO₃, MoO₃,V₂O₅, Re₂O₇ and Re₂O₅. While rhenium pentoxide is suitable for enabling,as dopant, a hole transport layer 102 having a blue color impression,the other metal oxides mentioned are suitable for enabling a yellow toorange-colored color impression. Oxides of rhenium, in particular, areLewis acids which can readily be evaporated at a temperature of lessthan 250° C. and at a pressure of 10⁻⁶ mbar and are therefore wellsuited to a p-type doping. It has been possible to show experimentallythat the doping properties with regard to the electronic properties ofthe hole transport layer 102 of rhenium pentoxide and rhenium heptoxidediffer only little, such that metal oxides of this type can be chosendepending on a predetermined color impression. The other metal oxidesmentioned exhibit similar processing properties for p-type doping.

Furthermore, the dopant for the p-type doping of the hole transportlayer 102 can also comprise organometallic compounds having Lewis acidcharacter. Particularly in the case of organometallic compounds orcomplexes having an impeller structure, the Lewis acid character of theaxial position is particularly pronounced.

Furthermore, the organometallic compounds can comprise ruthenium and/orrhodium. By way of example, the dopant can comprise as organometalliccompound a trifluoroacetate (TFA), for example dirhodiumtetratrifluoroacetate (Rh₂(TFA)₄), which with (NPB) can give a bluishcolor impression or the isoelectronic ruthenium compound Ru₂(TFA)₂(CO)₂,which enables an orange-colored color impression.

Furthermore, the dopant for p-type doping can comprise organic materialswhich comprise aromatic functional groups or are aromatic organicmaterials. In particular, the dopant can comprise aromatic materialshaving a pronounced number of fluorine and/or cyanide (CN) substituents.

For a charge carrier transport layer embodied as electron transportlayer 106, the following matrix materials, in particular, are alsosuitable:

-   8-hydroxyquinolinolato-lithium (Liq),-   2,2′,2″-(1,3,5-benzinetriyl)-tris(1-phenyl-1-H-benzamidazole)    (TPBi),-   2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD),-   2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP),-   4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen),-   bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinolate)-4-(phenylphenolato)-aluminum (BAlq),-   1,3-bis[2-(2,2′-bipyridin-6-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]-benzene    (Bpy-OXD),-   6,6′-bis[5-(biphenyl-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-2-yl]-2,2′-bipyridyl    (BP-OXD-Bpy),-   3-(4-biphenylyl)-4-phenyl-5-tert-butylphenyl-1,2,4-triazole (TAZ),-   4-(naphthalen-1-yl)-3,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (NTAZ),-   2,9-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (NBphen),-   2,7-bis[2-(2,2′-bipyridin-6-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]-9,9-dimethylfluorene    (Bby-FOXD),-   1,3-bis[2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazo-5-yl]-benzene (OXD-7).

For an electron transport layer 106, the matrix material is n-doped.That can mean that the dopant enables an n-type doping of the matrixmaterial of the first charge carrier transport layer. In particular, thedopant can be embodied as an electron donor having a low ionizationpotential, that is to say a high-level HOMO (Highest Occupied MolecularOrbital).

In this case, the dopant can comprise or be an alkali metal salt, analkaline earth metal salt, an organometallic compound or a mixturethereof. Additionally or alternatively, the dopant can comprise aplurality of different alkali metal salts and/or a plurality ofdifferent alkaline earth metal salts and/or a plurality of differentorganometallic compounds. In particular, the dopant can comprise acarbonate. Furthermore, the dopant can particularly preferably comprisecesium. Cs₂CO₃, for example, can give a bluish color impression in BCPor in BPhen as matrix material.

Furthermore, the dopant for n-type doping can comprise a metallocene,that is to say an organometallic compound comprising a metal M and twocyclopentadienyl radicals (Cp) in the form M(Cp)₂. Alternatively oradditionally, the dopant can also comprise ametal-hydropyrimidopyrimidine complex. The metal can comprise or betungsten, molybdenum and/or chromium, for example.

By way of example, chromocene or decamethylchromocene can enablegrey-colored color impressions for an n-doped electron transport layer106, while organometallic compounds comprising1,2,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine (hpp) such as, forinstance W₂(hpp)₄, Mo₂(hpp)₄ and Cr₂(hpp)₄ enable red to orange-coloredcolor impressions.

The matrix materials of the charge carrier transport layers 102, 106mentioned here and the dopants mentioned here for the matrix materialscan form charge transfer complexes which absorb part of anelectromagnetic radiation incident from outside on the organiclight-emitting diode 1 with a first absorption spectrum and, in aswitched-off electronic operating state, bring about a predeterminedcolor impression of the component, which can be perceived by an externalobserver through the first electrode 101, for example. In this case, thematrix material and the dopant form electron-donor-acceptor complexes,the absorption bands of which preferably lie in the visible wavelengthrange. In this case, the absorption band of the charge transfercomplexes is dependent on the respective energetic position of theirHOMOs (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital) and LUMOs (Lowest UnoccupiedMolecular Orbital) relative to one another. Consequently, in addition tothe charge carrier conductivity for holes and/or for electrons, thecharge transfer complexes can have the first absorption spectrum, whichcan enable the predetermined color impression.

Through a suitable choice of the matrix material and of the dopant, atleast of the charge carrier transport layer adjoining aradiation-transmissive or transparent electrode, it is possible toensure electronic properties with regard to the electronic functionalityof the organic light-emitting diode, such as, for instance, electricalconductivity and/or the charge carrier injection, and at the same timethe predetermined color impression for the desired external appearance,at least in the switched-off electronic operating state (in thisrespect, also see the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 6A to 6D).

The first electrode 101 is a transparent anode, for example. The firstelectrode 101 is therefore preferably at least partly transmissive toelectromagnetic radiation generated in the radiation-emitting region104. Preferably, the first electrode 101 is transparent to saidradiation. In this case, the first electrode can, for example, comprisea transparent conductive oxide or consist of a transparent conductiveoxide. Transparent conductive oxides (“TCO” for short) are transparentconductive materials, generally metal oxides, such as, for example, zincoxide, tin oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, indium oxide or indiumtin oxide (ITO). Alongside binary metal-oxygen compounds such as, forexample ZnO, SnO₂ or In₂O₃, ternary metal-oxygen compounds such as, forexample, Zn₂SnO₄, CdSnO₃, ZnSnO₃, MgIn₂O₄, GaInO₃, Zn₂In₂O₅ or In₄Sn₃O₁₂or mixtures of different transparent conductive oxides also belong tothe group of TCOs. Furthermore, the TCOs do not necessarily correspondto a stoichiometric composition and can also be p- or n-doped.

The second electrode 107 can be embodied as a cathode and thereforeserve as electron-injecting material. The second electrode 107 can be acathode which is configured in reflective fashion and which at leastpartly reflects electromagnetic radiation generated in theradiation-emitting region 104. Preferably, the reflectivity is then atleast 70%, at least 80% or particularly preferably at least 90%.

Inter alia, in particular aluminum, barium, indium, silver, gold,magnesium, calcium or lithium and also compounds, combinations andalloys thereof can prove to be advantageous as cathode material. Inaddition, the second electrode 107 can have, on a side facing theradiation-emitting region 104, a layer comprising LiF, which has goodelectron injection properties. Alternatively or additionally, the secondelectrode can also comprise one of the abovementioned TCOs or a layersequence composed of TCO layers and a metal layer. The second electrode107 can then likewise be transparent.

Alternatively, the first electrode 101 can also be embodied as acathode, and the second electrode 107 as an anode.

The electron barrier layer 103 can contain or consist of, for example,α-NPD (N,N′-di-1-naphthyl-N,N′-diphenyl-4,4′-diaminobiphenyl).

This material has a HOMO of −5±0.4 eV and a LUMO of more than −2.2 eV.The hole mobility is approximately 10⁻⁴ cm²/Vs.

The hole barrier layer 105 can comprise BCP or BPhen as material. Whatis important here is the electron mobility of more than 10⁻⁶ cm²/Vs,preferably more than 10⁻⁵ cm²/Vs, given a very low to even no holemobility.

FIG. 2 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, anenlargement of an excerpt from an organic light-emitting diode 1described here. In this case, FIG. 2 shows the radiation-emitting region104 adjoined by the electron barrier layer 103 and the hole barrierlayer 105. In the present case, the radiation-emitting region 104comprises an emission layer. The emission layer 101 comprises at leastone organic material which is suitable for generating electromagneticradiation upon energization.

By way of example, the material of the emission layer 101 can besuitable for generating infrared radiation. The emission layer 101 thencontains, for example, at least one of the following materials:Yb-tris(8-hydroxyquinoline), Er-tris(8-hydroxyquinoline), YbQ3, ErQ3.

Furthermore, it is possible for the emission layer 101 to compriseemitter materials for generating red, green and/or blue light, whichemitter materials can be embedded in matrix materials. By way ofexample, suitable emitter materials are described in conjunction withFIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, afurther exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here. It is clarified with reference to FIG. 3 that theradiation-emitting region 104 can have a plurality of emission layers111, 112, 113.

The first emission layer 111 is, for example, an emission layer suitablefor emitting red light. The emission layer 101 then contains, forexample, the following phosphorescent emitter material: Ir(DBQ)₂acac(iridium(III)bis(2-methyldibenzo-[f,h]quinoxaline)-(acetylacetonate)).This emitter material has a main emission wavelength of above 600 nm,and in the CIE diagram from 1931 an x value of >0.6 and a y value of<0.36.

The red emission layer 101 can comprise a matrix that transports holes.One suitable matrix material is a-NPD(N,N′-di-1-naphthyl-N,N′-diphenyl-4,4′-diamino-biphenyl). The materialhas a HOMO of −5.5±0.4 eV and a LUMO of −2.1±0.4 eV. The hole mobilityis approximately 10⁻⁴ cm²/Vs and the triplet position T1 is above 1.8eV.

The second emission layer 112 is, for example, an emission layer whichemits green light during the operation of the organic light-emittingdiode 1. The emission layer 112 then contains, for example, a greenemitter material, which can be embedded in a first and second matrixmaterial. By way of example, Irppy (fac-tris(2-phenylpyridyl)iridium)can be used as green emitter material. The material has a main emissionwavelength at 500 to 570 nm, and in the CIE diagram from 1931 an x valueof approximately 0.37 and a y value of approximately 0.6.

A hole transporting first matrix material in the second emission layer112 can be, for example, TCTA(4,4′,4″-tris(carbazol-9-yl)triphenylamine), or it can be CBP(4,4′-bis(carbazol-9-yl)biphenyl).

These materials have a HOMO of −6.0 to −5.3 eV and a LUMO of −2.3±0.1eV, a T1 of above 2.5 eV and a hole mobility of approximately 10⁻⁴cm²/Vs.

An electron conducting second matrix material in the second emissionlayer 112 is, for example, BCP or BPhen, where the electron mobilityshould be greater than 10⁻⁵ cm²/Vs, preferably 10⁻⁴ cm²/Vs.

The third emission layer 113 is then, for example, an emission layerwhich emits blue light during the operation of the organiclight-emitting diode 1. The blue, third emission layer 113 can be afluorescent emission layer, comprising the blue fluorescent emittermaterial DPVBi (4,4′-bis(2,2-diphenylethen-1-yl)-diphenyl).

This material has a main emission wavelength at 450 to 770 nm, a fullwidth at half maximum at approximately 60 nm, and in the CIE diagramfrom 1931 x values of 0.14 to 0.22 and y values of 0.11 to 0.20.

The blue emitter material can be present in an electron conductingmatrix, which can comprise TBADN(2-tert-butyl-9,10-di(2-naphthyl)anthracene) as material. This materialhas a HOMO of −5.8 to −5.3 eV and LUMO of −2.5 to −1.8 eV. The band gapis more than 3 eV and the electron mobility is greater than 10⁻⁶ cm²/Vs,preferably greater than 10⁻⁵ cm²/Vs.

Overall, during the operation of the organic light-emitting diode 1,white mixed light is emitted by the three emission layers 111, 112 and113 in the radiation-emitting region 104.

The first electrode 101 and the second electrode 107 can be chosen asspecified in conjunction with FIG. 1. Furthermore, the hole transportlayer 102, the electron barrier layer 103, the hole barrier layer 105and the electron transport layer 106 can be chosen as described inconjunction with FIG. 1.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the use of at least one of thefollowing matrix materials is advantageous, for example, for the holetransport layer 102: 1-TNATA(4,4′,4″-tris(N-(naphth-1-yl)-N-phenylamino)triphenylamine), MTDATA(4,4′,4″-tris(N-3-methylphenyl-N-phenylamino)triphenylamine), 2-TNATA(4,4′,4″-tris(N-naphth-2-yl)-N-phenylamino)triphenyl-amine), α-NPB(N,N′-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N′-bis-(phenyl)benzidine), β-NPB(N,N′-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)benzidine), TPD(N,N′-bis(3-methyl-phenyl)-N,N′-bis(phenyl)benzidine), spTAD(2,2′,7,7′-diphenylaminospiro-9,9′-bifluorene), Cu—PC(phthalo-cyanine-copper complexes), further phthalocyanine-metalcomplexes, pentacene and TAPC(1,1-bis[(4-phenyl)-bis(4′,4″-methylphenyl)amino]cyclohexane).

These materials have a HOMO of −5.2±0.4 eV and a LUMO of −2.2±0.4 eV.The hole mobility is approximately 10⁻⁴ cm²/Vs and the conductivity of adoped layer given 2 to 10% by volume of the dopant is approximately 10⁻⁵S/cm.

By way of example, F₄-TCNQ(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) serves as dopantin the hole transport layer 102. Further dopants are molybdenum oxideand rhenium oxide, for example.

The electron transport layer 106 can advantageously contain one of thefollowing materials as matrix material or consist of one of thefollowing materials: BPhen, Alq₃, (tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum),BAlq₂ (bis[2-methyl-8-quinolinato]-[4-phenylphenolato]-aluminum(III)),BCP, TPBi (1,3,5-tris(1-phenyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene), TAZ(3-(4-biphenyl)-4-phenyl-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,2,4-triazole), TAZ2(3,5-diphenyl-4-naphth-1-yl-1,2,4-triazole), t-Bu-PBD(2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxa-diazole), triazine ortriazine derivatives. The matrix material has a HOMO of −6.4 to −6.0 eV,a LUMO of −2.3 to −1.8 eV, an electron mobility of more than 10⁻⁶cm²/Vs, preferably more than 10⁻⁵ cm²/Vs, and a conductivity in a dopedlayer (given 6 to 50% by volume of dopant) of 10⁻⁵ S/cm. By way ofexample, lithium, cesium or calcium can be used as dopant.

For all of the layers, of course, other matrix materials, dopants oremitter materials are possible, as are other compositions of the mixedmatrix materials. Further materials for emitter materials, transportmaterials and dopants are possible and can be exchanged at any time.

In addition to the exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emittingdiode described here, as described in conjunction with FIG. 1, theradiation-emitting region 104 in the exemplary embodiment in accordancewith FIG. 3 has a first charge transporting layer 114 and a secondcharge transporting layer 115.

The first charge transporting layer 114 is arranged between the first,red-emitting emission layer 111 and the second, green-emitting emissionlayer 112.

The first charge transporting layer 114 comprises a first and secondmatrix material, for example.

The first matrix material of the first charge transporting layer 114 cancomprise a hole transporting matrix material, which can be 1-TNATA orα-NPD, for example. These materials have a HOMO of −5.5±0.6 eV and aLUMO of −2.1±0.4 eV. The hole mobility is approximately 10⁻⁴ cm²/Vs andthe triplet position T1 is >1.8 eV.

An electron conducting second matrix material in the first chargetransporting layer 114 can be BCP(2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline), for example. A furtherexample is BPhen (4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline).

These materials have the property that the HOMO is −6.4 to −5.7 eV andthe LUMO is −2.3 to −1.8 eV, T1 is >2.5 eV, and the electron mobility isapproximately 10⁻⁶ cm²/Vs.

A second charge transporting layer 115 is arranged between the secondemission layer 112, which emits green light, and the third emissionlayer 113, which emits blue light.

The second charge carrier transporting layer 115 is composed of a firstand a second matrix material. The first matrix material can be a holetransporting matrix material, which can be TCTA or CBP. The secondelectron conducting matrix material can be BCP or BPhen.

In the exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 3,electromagnetic radiation is emitted through the transparent firstelectrode 101, which is embodied as an anode. In this case, the firstelectrode 101 has a thickness of between 80 nm and 140 nm, for example120 nm.

The hole transport layer 102 preferably has a thickness of between 10 nmand 400 nm. The electron barrier layer 103 preferably has a thickness ofbetween 5 nm and 10 nm. The first emission layer 111 preferably has athickness of between 5 nm and 15 nm, and the first charge carriertransporting layer 114 preferably has a thickness of between 5 nm and 10nm. The second emission layer 112 preferably has a thickness of between5 nm and 15 nm. The second charge carrier transporting layer 115preferably has a thickness of between 5 nm and 10 nm. The third emissionlayer 113 preferably has a thickness of between 5 nm and 10 nm. The holebarrier layer 105 preferably has a thickness of between 5 nm and 10 nm.The electron transport layer 106 preferably has a thickness of between20 nm and 300 nm. The second electrode 107, embodied as a cathode,preferably has a thickness of between preferably 100 nm and 200 nm.

Furthermore, it is possible for first electrode 101 and second electrode107 in each case to be embodied in transparent fashion. The organiclight-emitting diode 1 is then a component which can emitelectromagnetic radiation in at least two opposite directions. By way ofexample, a component which emits white light in two opposite directionscan then be involved. Furthermore, such an organic light-emitting diode1 can be a transparent organic light-emitting diode. In this case,transparent means that the organic light-emitting diode 1 istransmissive to electromagnetic radiation preferably in the visiblefrequency range, such that at least 50% of the radiation passing throughcan pass through the organic light-emitting diode 1, without beingabsorbed. In this case, the organic light-emitting diode 1 can also bepellucid. That is to say that the light passing through is not or hardlyscattered by the organic light-emitting diode 1.

The organic light-emitting diode in accordance with FIG. 3 is thereforea radiation-emitting device in which a charge transporting layer is ineach case arranged between two emission layers.

In this case, the charge transporting layers each comprise a matrix,which comprises a hole conducting and an electron conducting matrixmaterial or is a mixture of a first, hole transporting matrix materialand a second, electron transporting matrix material.

In conjunction with the schematic sectional illustrations in FIGS. 4 and5, further exemplary embodiments are described in greater detail for thefirst electrode 101 (FIG. 4) and the second electrode (FIG. 5). Theseelectrodes can be used in organic light-emitting diodes described here.

For this purpose, the first electrode 101 and second electrode 107preferably both comprise a transparent, electrically conductive oxide(TCO) material.

In this case, at least one of the first electrode 101 and secondelectrode 107 can comprise a layer sequence having a first TCO layer 121comprising a first transparent, electrically conductive oxide (TCO), asecond TCO layer 122 comprising a transparent metal and a third metallayer 120 comprising a second TCO. The layer sequence having two layerseach comprising a TCO and a layer in between, embodied as a transparentmetal layer, can enable an electrode which has a high transverseconductivity owing to the transparent metal layer 120 and a reducedreflectivity owing to the high refractive index layers 121, 122comprising TCO. For an organic optoelectronic component which istransparent on both sides, that is to say fully transparent, it is alsopossible for both electrodes 101, 107 each to comprise such a layersequence. What can thereby be achieved, in particular, is that the twotransparent electrodes precisely do not form an optical microresonatoror form at least a microresonator having a low quality factor.

In this case, the first TCO and/or the second TCO can comprise one ormore of the abovementioned materials for TCOs. In particular, the firstTCO and/or the second TCO can comprise or be composed of ITO, indiumzinc oxide, aluminum zinc oxide and/or zinc oxide. Furthermore, thefirst and/or the second TCO can be doped with aluminum, vanadium and/orgallium or a combination or mixture thereof. A thickness d of a TCOlayer 121, 122 comprising a TCO can be, in particular, greater than orequal to 5 nm and less than or equal to 150 nm.

The transparent metal can comprise aluminum, chromium, molybdenum,nickel, silver, platinum, barium, indium, gold, magnesium, calcium orlithium and also compounds, combinations and alloys thereof or consistof one of the abovementioned materials or combinations or alloysthereof. In this case, a metal layer 120 comprising a transparent metalcan have a thickness d of greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than orequal to 50 nm, in particular greater than or equal to 20 nm and lessthan or equal to 40 nm.

In particular, the first electrode 101 and/or the second electrode 107can be embodied in areal fashion or alternatively in a manner structuredinto first and/or second electrode partial regions. By way of example,the first electrode 101 can be embodied in the form of first electrodestrips arranged parallel alongside one another, and the second electrode107 can be embodied as second electrode strips arranged parallelalongside one another and running perpendicularly to said firstelectrode strips. Overlaps of the first and second electrode strips cantherefore be embodied as separately drivable luminous regions.Furthermore, it is also possible for only the first 101 or the secondelectrode 107 to be structured.

The combination of a transparent metal layer 120 and a transparent TCOlayer 121, 122 makes it possible to realize a first 101 and/or a secondelectrode 107 having both good electrical and good optical properties.

In this case, “good electrical properties” can mean that the electrode101, 107 has a low electrical resistance typical of metals and thereforealso a good transverse conductivity, that is to say a high electricalconductivity, typical of a metal, along the extension direction of theelectrode. In particular, the combination of a transparent metal layer120 and a transparent TCO layer 121, 122 makes it possible to achieve alower electrical resistance and hence a higher transverse conductivitythan, for example, with a layer composed of a transparent, electricallyconductive oxide alone.

“Good optical properties” can mean, in particular, that the electrodehas a high transparency and furthermore a low reflectivity, inparticular a lower reflectivity than a layer comprising a transparentmetal alone. That can be achieved by virtue of the fact that the TCOlayer 121, 122 can act as an antireflection coating. Materials having ahigh refractive index such as, for instance, dielectric oxides, forinstance silicon oxide or tantalum oxide, and, in particular,transparent, electrically conductive oxides or mixtures thereof can besuitable for this purpose.

In this case, a high refractive index can be, for example, a refractiveindex of greater than or equal to 1.9. By way of example, TCOs can haverefractive indices in the range of approximately 1.9 to approximately2.1.

Alternatively or additionally, the first and/or second electrode canalso have one or a plurality of layers suitable for antireflectioncoating and composed of a further material having a high refractiveindex, for instance from the region of the tellurides or sulfides, forinstance ZnSe having a refractive index of approximately 2.5.Furthermore, the materials mentioned can also be present in combinationsor mixtures in the first 101 and/or second electrode 107.

FIGS. 6A to 6D show further exemplary embodiments of organiclight-emitting diodes 1 described here.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an organic light-emitting diode 1 in a switched-offelectronic operating state (FIG. 6A) and in a switched-on electronicoperating state (FIG. 6B).

The organic light-emitting diode 1 has a first carrier 130, which isembodied in radiation-transmissive fashion. By way of example, the firstcarrier 130 consists of a glass. On the first carrier 130 are atransparent first electrode 101 and a second electrode 107 arranged.Between the transparent first electrode 101 and the second electrode 107is an organic layer sequence 133 is arranged. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, the organic light-emitting diode 1 is thereforeembodied as a bottom emitter since it can emit through the first carrier130.

The organic layer sequence 133 has at least one radiation-emittingregion 104 and also a hole transport layer 102. In this case, the holetransport layer 102 is arranged between the first electrode 101 and theradiation-emitting region 104.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the transparent first electrode 101is embodied from indium tin oxide (ITO) and serves as an anode, whilethe second electrode 107 has a 0.7 nm thick LiF layer and a 200 nm thickaluminum layer.

The hole transport layer 102 comprises a matrix material and a dopant,which form charge transfer complexes. In this case, the charge transfercomplexes have a first absorption spectrum. Electromagnetic radiationhaving a wavelength in the absorption range can be absorbed by thecharge transfer complexes with excitation thereof. That part of anelectromagnetic radiation incident on the organic light-emitting diode 1from outside, here indicated by means of the arrows 190, whichcorresponds to the absorption spectrum is therefore absorbed, while thenon-absorbed part 191 of the electromagnetic radiation 190 can bescattered and reflected by the hole transport layer 102. As a result,the hole transport layer 102 can be perceived by an external observerand, in the switched-off electronic operating state of the organiclight-emitting diode 1, brings about a predetermined color impression inthe form of the electromagnetic radiation 191.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hole transport layer 102 consistsof NPB as matrix material, which is p-doped with 5% Re₂O₇. In this case,the dopant is distributed homogeneously in the matrix material. Thisgives rise to a uniform yellowish color impression in the switched-offoperating state.

The radiation-emitting region 104 has, for example, a 40 nm thick layercomposed of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)-aluminum (Alq₃) as fluorescentelectroluminescent material, which simultaneously serves as electrontransport material. Arranged between the hole transport layer 102 andthe active region 30 is a 10 nm thick NPB layer 123, which improves thehole injection from the hole transport layer 102 into theradiation-emitting region 104. As an alternative thereto, the holetransport layer 102 can also comprise the dopant with a thicknessgradient in the matrix material, wherein the dopant concentration candecrease toward the radiation-emitting region 104 continuously ordiscontinuously.

As is indicated by the arrows 193 in FIG. 6B, the organic light-emittingdiode 1 emits green-colored electromagnetic radiation through theradiation-emitting region 104, the first electrode 101 and the firstcarrier 1 in the switched-on operating state. In this case, the dashedarrows 190 and 191 indicate that although electromagnetic radiationwhich is incident on the organic light-emitting diode 1 from outside canstill be scattered and reflected, the color impression brought aboutthereby is outshone by the electromagnetic radiation 193 generated inthe radiation-emitting region and is therefore not perceptible.

In further exemplary embodiments, the hole transport layer 102 isembodied as a 50 nm thick layer comprising NPB as matrix material andcomprising Re₂O₅ as dopant having dopant concentrations of 5%, 20% and50%. In this case, it is found that the perceptible color impression ofthe light-emitting diodes 1 in the switched-off electronic operatingstate changes from light blue to deep blue as the concentration of thedopant increases. In the switched-on electronic operating state, bycontrast, green electromagnetic radiation 193 is always emitted.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the hole transport layer 102comprises NPB as matrix material and dirhodium tetratrifluoroacetate asdopant in the case of a thickness of 200 nm. While green electromagneticradiation 193 is emitted in the switched-on electronic operating state,the hole transport layer 102 gives a bluish color impression in theswitched-off electronic operating state.

An organic electronic component as a comparative component having aconstruction in accordance with FIGS. 6A and 6B, but an undoped holetransport layer 102 composed of NPB, likewise emits greenelectromagnetic radiation 193, but gives only a pale blue colorimpression with low color saturation in the switched-off electronicoperating state.

The exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 6A and 6B, shown here purely by wayof example, therefore show that a predetermined color impression can beset in the switched-off electronic operating state and can be chosen bymeans of the choice of matrix material and dopant, while theelectromagnetic radiation emitted in the switched-on electronicoperating state can always give the same luminous impression.

FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate a further exemplary embodiment for an organiclight-emitting diode 1 in a switched-off electronic operating state(FIG. 6C) and in a switched-on electronic operating state (FIG. 6D),which embodiment constitutes a modification of the previous exemplaryembodiment.

In contrast to the organic light-emitting diode 1 in FIGS. 6A and 6B,the organic light-emitting diode 1 here additionally has a transparentsecond electrode 107 composed of a transparent metal film, and also anelectron transport layer 106 between the radiation-emitting region 104and the second electrode 107. Therefore, in the exemplary embodimentshown, the organic light-emitting diode 1 is embodied as an OLED whichemits on both sides. The hole transport layer 107 can be embodied asdescribed in connection with the previous exemplary embodiments and cangive a light blue color impression, for example, in the switched-offelectronic operating state.

The electron transport layer 106 comprises a matrix material and adopant, which form charge transfer complexes which absorb part of theelectromagnetic radiation 190 incident on the light-emitting diode 1from outside with a second absorption spectrum. The non-absorbedelectromagnetic radiation, here indicated by the arrows 192, can beperceived by an external observer as a predetermined color impressionthrough the second electrode 102. In this case, the color impressionwhich can be perceived through the electron transport layer 106 throughthe second electrode 107 in the switched-off electronic operating statecan be different than the color impression which can be perceivedthrough the first electrode 101 on account of the hole transport layer102.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electron transport layer 106 is150 nm thick and comprises BCP as matrix material and Cs₂CO₃ as dopanthaving a concentration of 10%. As a result, in the switched-offelectronic operating state, the electron transport layer 106 gives adeep blue color impression for an external observer. In the switched-onoperating state, as shown in FIG. 6D, this color impression is outshoneby the electromagnetic radiation generated in the radiation-emittingregion 104, which radiation gives a green luminous impression as in theprevious exemplary embodiments.

While the organic light-emitting diode, in the switched-off electronicoperating state, can give a different color impression through the holetransport layer 102 than through the electron transport layer 106, inthe switched-on electronic operating state the same luminous impressionis given on both sides through the electromagnetic radiation 193generated in the radiation-emitting region 104.

In a further exemplary embodiment having a construction in accordancewith FIGS. 6C and 6D, the electron transport layer 106, given athickness of 150 nm, comprises Bpyppy as matrix material and Cs₂CO₃ witha concentration of 10% as dopant. The charge transfer band of theelectron transport layer 106 is so intensive that it determines thecolor impression through the second electrode 107. As a result, theelectron transport layer 106 can give a red color impression in theswitched-off electronic operating state, while green electromagneticradiation is once again emitted in the switched-on electronic operatingstate.

It is possible to combine the exemplary embodiments in accordance withFIGS. 1 to 6. Such a combination can result, for example, in atransparent organic light-emitting diode which emits on both sides andwhich appears colored in accordance with a desired color from both sidesin the switched-off operating states and emits white light in theswitched-on state.

The encapsulation and hermetic sealing of organic light-emitting diodes1 described here is explained in greater detail below. The layerconstruction of the functional layers such as the electrodes 101, 107,and the organic layer sequence 133, can in this case be as described inconjunction with FIGS. 1 to 6. Furthermore, the layer construction canfollow any desired combination of the layers and materials described inconjunction with FIGS. 1 to 6.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG.7, on the basis of a schematic plan view. FIG. 8 shows an associatedsectional illustration.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 comprises a first carrier 130 and asecond carrier 131. In this case, first carrier 130 and second carrier131 are preferably embodied in plate-like fashion. That is to say thatfirst carrier 130 and second carrier 131 are substantially planarsheets. The functional layers of the organic light-emitting diode 1 arearranged between first carrier 130 and second carrier 131. In this way,first carrier 130 and second carrier 131 serve for encapsulating theorganic layer sequence 133.

First carrier 130 and second carrier 131 can be formed from the samematerial or from different materials. At least one of the two carriersis at least partly transmissive to electromagnetic radiation generatedin the radiation-emitting region 104 of the organic light-emitting diode1. Furthermore, it is possible for both carriers to be at least partlytransmissive to said electromagnetic radiation.

By way of example, at least one of the carriers is formed with a glass.That is to say that this carrier contains a glass or preferably consistsof a glass. The glass can be, for example, a borosilicate glass.Furthermore, it is possible for the glass to be a soda-lime glass (also:window glass). A soda-lime glass is distinguished by lower productioncosts by comparison with a borosilicate glass.

If one of the two carriers is embodied as a non-radiation-transmissivecarrier, then said carrier can consist of a metal or contain a metal orconsist of a ceramic material or contain a ceramic material.

Furthermore, it is possible for first carrier 130 and second carrier 131each to consist of a glass. The two carriers can then also consist ofthe same glass.

The organic layer sequence 133 arranged between first carrier 130 andsecond carrier 131 can be electrically contact-connectable for exampleby means of the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 107,wherein first electrode 101 and second electrode 107 can be accessiblefrom outside the organic light-emitting diode 1, as is indicated in FIG.8, for example.

For the purpose of connecting first carrier 130 and second carrier 131,in the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 7 and 8, a connecting means 140 issituated between first carrier 130 and second carrier 131. Theconnecting means encloses the organic layer sequence 133 in a frame-likemanner. In this case, the expression “in a frame-like manner” does notrelate to the geometrical form of the course of the connecting means140. All that is important is that the connecting means 140 laterallycompletely encloses the organic layer sequence 133. The connecting means140 is therefore led as a track around the organic layer sequence 133,wherein the connecting means 140 can be in direct contact with firstcarrier 130 and second carrier 131.

The connecting means 140 can be, for example, a glass solder material, aglass frit material or an adhesive. Furthermore, it is possible for theorganic light-emitting diode 1 to have, alongside the connecting means140, a further connecting means, which is likewise arranged around theorganic layer sequence 133 in a frame-like manner. The materials of thetwo connecting means can then differ from one another. By way ofexample, one connecting means can be formed with an adhesive, and theother connecting means can then be formed with a glass solder or a glassfrit material.

An explanation is given, on the basis of the schematic sectionalillustration in FIG. 9, of the fact that the connecting means 140 can behardened or softened by means of a source 145 of electromagneticradiation 146.

If the connecting means 140 is, for example, an adhesive such as Nagaseor ThreeBond, then it is possible to use the source 145 for locallycuring the adhesive. In this case, the source 145 is arranged in such away that hardly any or no electromagnetic radiation 146 at all impingeson the organic layer sequence 133. That is to say that the organic layersequence 133 cannot be damaged by the electromagnetic radiation 146 ofthe source 145.

If the connecting means 140 is a glass solder or a glass frit material,then the glass solder or the glass frit material 140 can be softened bymeans of the electromagnetic radiation 146. The softened glass solder orglass frit material then wets at least one of the carriers, therebygiving rise to a hermetically impermeable seal of the organiclight-emitting diode 1. In particular, in this case, the source 145 canbe a laser which emits infrared radiation 146, for example, whichpenetrates through the second carrier 131 and is only absorbed in theconnecting means 140.

FIG. 10 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, afurther exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here. The organic light-emitting diode 1 comprises a firstcarrier 130, which can consist of a glass, for example. The glass ispreferably at least partly transmissive to electromagnetic radiationgenerated in the radiation-emitting region 104 of the organiclight-emitting diode 1.

The first carrier 130 is succeeded by a connection line 155. Theconnection line 155 is a radiation-transmissive, electrically conductivelayer. The connection layer 155 can be formed, for example, by one ofthe transparent electrode materials presented above. The first electrode101 is arranged on the connection line 155, said first electrodelikewise being embodied in transparent fashion.

Busbars 157 can be arranged in or at the first electrode 101. Thebusbars can be formed by thin metal strips, for example. By way ofexample, a layer sequence having layers composed of chromium andaluminum is suitable for forming the busbars. Furthermore, the busbarscan consist of aluminum, chromium, silver or mixtures of thesematerials. The busbars improve the transverse conductivity of the firstelectrode 101. They can be insulated from the overlying organic layersequence 133 by an insulation layer, for example, such that current isnot directly impressed from the busbars 157 into the organic layersequence 133. The busbars 157 then serve only for the betterdistribution of electric current within the first, transparent electrode101.

The organic layer sequence 133 is succeeded by the second electrode 107.The second electrode 107 is embodied in reflective fashion, for example,as described above.

The first electrode 101 can be electrically contact-connected fromoutside the organic light-emitting diode 1 by means of the connectionlocation 152, which can be formed with a TCO material or a metal. Theconnection location 152 is electrically insulated from the secondelectrode 107 by means of an insulation layer 151 containing anelectrically conductive material such as a resist, an epoxy resin or asilicon oxide.

During the operation of the organic light-emitting diode 1, an emission108 of electromagnetic radiation generated in the organic layer sequence133, in particular in the radiation-emitting region 104, is effectedthrough the first carrier 130 toward the outside.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 furthermore has a thin-filmencapsulation 154 serving for encapsulating the organic layer sequence133. The thin-film encapsulation 154 produces a basic impermeability toenvironmental influences, such as moisture and atmospheric gases, forthe organic layer sequence 133. The thin-film encapsulation 154 can beapplied by means of a PECVD method (plasma enhanced chemical vapordeposition), for example. The thin-film encapsulation 154 can, forexample, consist of oxide and/or nitride layers, such as SiO or SiN, orcontain said materials. In this case, it is also possible for the thinencapsulation 154 to comprise a layer sequence which alternately hasnitride and oxide layers.

In this case, the thin-film encapsulation 154 can have lattice defects163 (in this respect, also see FIG. 19). Said lattice defects 163 canresult, for example, in so-called pinholes or other imperfections whichlead to a permeability of the thin-film encapsulation 154 to atmosphericgases or moisture.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 10, a diffusion barrier 153 isarranged on the thin-film encapsulation 154. The diffusion barrier 153is formed from amorphous SiO₂, for example. In this case, the diffusionbarrier 153 is deposited by means of atmospheric pressure plasma, forexample. The diffusion barrier 153 can, in particular, also be depositedonto the side areas of the organic light-emitting diode 1. Thus, thediffusion barrier 153 can also cover the insulation layer 151 and theconnection locations 152 at least in places. The organic light-emittingdiode 1 is therefore encapsulated with the diffusion barrier 153 andprotected from environmental protection influences both from its outerarea facing away from the first carrier 130 and at its side areas.

The diffusion barrier 153 can also be applied by means of atmosphericpressure plasma in a plurality of individual layers. Consequently, thedifferent partial regions of the diffusion barrier 153 can also havedifferent thicknesses. In this way, a diffusion barrier 153 of increasedthickness can be applied where the risk of formation of lattice defects163 is highest—for example at edges of layers.

An atmospheric pressure plasma (also called AP plasma or normal pressureplasma) is understood in this case to mean the special case of a plasmain which the pressure approximately corresponds to that of thesurrounding atmosphere. The use of an atmospheric pressure plasma hassome advantages over the use of a low-pressure plasma encapsulationtechnique. The apparatus outlay for coating with an atmospheric pressureplasma is significantly less than in the case of the low-pressureplasma. In the case of the low-pressure plasma it is necessary, forexample, for the component that is to be coated to be introduced into achamber and for the pressure then to be reduced therein. After thedeposition process, the pressure has to be adapted to normal pressureagain and the component has to be removed from the chamber again. In thecase where an atmospheric pressure plasma is used, by contrast, it isnot necessary to introduce the component—here the organic light-emittingdiode 1—into a closed chamber. The coating with the diffusion barrier153 is therefore also possible on an assembly line, for example, usingan atmospheric pressure plasma.

The diffusion barrier can have a thickness d of 50 nm to 1000 nm.Preferably, the diffusion barrier 153 has a thickness d of at least 100nm and at most 250 nm. At the edges of the organic light-emitting diode1, the thickness of the diffusion barrier 153 can also be chosen to belarger.

The diffusion barrier 153 can also be produced from individual layers.In this case, two or more individual layers can be deposited one aboveanother. Each of the individual layers can have a thickness of, forexample, at least 50 nm and at most 100 nm. The impermeability of theoverall layer can be increased by applying individual layers.

The diffusion barrier 153 can comprise silicon dioxide or consistthereof. In this case, the silicon dioxide can only be formed in the gasphase. In order to form the silicon dioxide, it is possible to use asilane and a further compound serving as oxygen source. By way ofexample, SiH₄ can be used as silane and N₂O as oxygen source.

FIG. 11 shows, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration, afurther exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diodedescribed here. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 10, inthis exemplary embodiment the diffusion barrier 153 is only arranged atthe side areas of the organic light-emitting diode 1. Instead of adiffusion barrier 153, a resist layer 150 is applied to that outer areaof the organic light-emitting diode which faces away from the firstcarrier 130. That is to say that, in this exemplary embodiment, theouter area facing away from the first carrier 130 is encapsulated by acombination of a thin-film encapsulation 154 with a resist layer 150.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG.12. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 11, in thisexemplary embodiment a diffusion barrier 153 produced by means of anatmospheric pressure plasma is arranged between the thin-filmencapsulation 154 and the resist layer 150. The resist layer covers thediffusion barrier 153 at least in places.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG.13. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 11, in thisexemplary embodiment a diffusion barrier 153 produced by means of anatmospheric pressure plasma is additionally applied to the resist layer150. The diffusion barrier 153 covers the resist layer 150 at allexposed surfaces. A particularly impermeable encapsulation of theorganic layer sequence 133 against external environmental influences isrealized as a result.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diodedescribed here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG.14A. In this exemplary embodiment, the insulation layer 151, theconnection location 152 and also the thin-film encapsulation 154 arecovered at least in places by a pre-encapsulation layer 156, whichserves for encapsulating the organic layer sequence 133 and as aplanarization layer for the thin-film encapsulation 153 at the sideareas of the organic light-emitting diode 1. The pre-encapsulation layer156 can comprise, for example, a transparent epoxide or aradiation-transmissive adhesive. A second carrier 131 is applied to thepre-encapsulation layer 156, onto the outer area thereof which facesaway from the first carrier 130. The second carrier 131 can be a glassplate, for example. It is then possible for an emission 108 to beeffected both through the first carrier 130 and through the secondcarrier 131. The organic light-emitting diode 1 can then be an organiclight-emitting diode 1 which emits on both sides. In this case, thediffusion barrier 153 produced by means of atmospheric pressure plasmaserves substantially for laterally sealing the organic light-emittingdiode 1.

In this case, it is furthermore possible that first carrier 130 andsecond carrier 131 can be formed by mutually different materials. By wayof example, one of the two carriers can be formed by anon-radiation-transmissive material, such as a metal plate, for example.

Furthermore, it is possible for first carrier 130 and second carrier131, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, to beconnected to one another by means of a connecting means 140. Theconnecting means can then be a glass solder or a glass frit material oran adhesive. The connecting means 140 is additionally sealed by thediffusion barrier 153 at the side areas of the organic light-emittingdiode 1. Such a organic light-emitting diode 1 is elucidated in greaterdetail in FIG. 14B on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration.

In conjunction with FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, exemplary embodimentsof organic light-emitting diodes 1 described here are explained ingreater detail wherein at least parts of the organic light-emittingdiode 1 are encapsulated by at least two encapsulation layers 161, 162forming an encapsulation layer sequence 160. That is to say that theencapsulation layer sequence 160 has at least one first encapsulationlayer 161 and a second encapsulation layer 162, as a result of which anefficacious and effective encapsulation is made possible. In this case,the effective encapsulation can be brought about precisely by thecombination of the two encapsulation layers 161, 162.

The first encapsulation layer 161 and the second encapsulation layer 162can each comprise materials suitable for protecting the organiclight-emitting diode 1 against harmful influences of the surroundings,such as atmospheric gases and moisture, through the combination of thefirst encapsulation layer 161 and the second encapsulation layer 162. Inthis case, the first encapsulation layer 161 and the secondencapsulation layer 162 can each comprise an inorganic material orconsist of an inorganic material.

The first encapsulation layer 161 can comprise or consist of an oxide, anitride or an oxynitride. By way of example, the oxide, nitride oroxynitride can comprise aluminum, silicon, tin, zinc, titanium,zirconium, tantalum, niobium or hafnium. Particularly preferably, thefirst layer can comprise silicon nitride, such as, for instance, Si₂N₃,silicon oxide (SiO_(x)), such as, for instance, silicon dioxide,aluminum oxide, such as, for instance, Al₂O₃, and/or titanium oxide,such as TiO₂. Furthermore, the first encapsulation layer 161 can alsoconsist of a TCO material or contain such a TCO material. Furthermore,it is possible for the first encapsulation layer 161 to comprise orconsist of a metal or a metal alloy. In this case, the firstencapsulation layer 161 can comprise aluminum and/or aluminum alloys,for example.

The abovementioned materials can be applied by means of plasma enhancedchemical vapor deposition (PECVD), for example, in order to produce thefirst encapsulation layer 161. In this case, a plasma can be generatedin a volume above and/or around the radiation-emitting layer sequence133 and the electrodes 101, 107, wherein at least two gaseous startingcompounds are fed to the volume, which starting compounds can be ionizedin the plasma and excited to react with one another. The generation ofthe plasma can make it possible that the temperature to which the atleast one surface of the component has to be heated in order to make itpossible to produce the first encapsulation layer 161 can be lowered incomparison with a plasmaless CVD method.

As an alternative thereof, the first encapsulation layer 161 can beapplied by means of physical vapor deposition, such as sputtering, forinstance.

Furthermore, the first encapsulation layer 161 can also comprise a glassor consist of a glass. In this case, the glass can, for example,comprise one or a plurality of the abovementioned oxides and be able tobe applied by means of plasma spraying.

In the case of plasma spraying, an arc can be generated in a so-calledplasma torch between at least one anode and at least one cathode bymeans of high voltage, through which arc a gas or gas mixture can beconducted and thereby ionized. The gas or gas mixture can compriseargon, nitrogen, hydrogen and/or helium, for example. By way of example,pulverulent material for the first encapsulation layer 161 can besprayed into the plasma flow generated by the arc and the gas or gasmixture flow. The pulverulent material can be melted by the temperatureof the plasma and applied to the top side 107 a of the second electrode107, for example, by means of the plasma flow. The pulverulent materialcan be provided, for example, with an average grain size of less than orequal to a few hundred micrometers, preferably less than or equal to 100μm, and furthermore greater than or equal to 100 nm, preferably greaterthan or equal to 1 μm. The more finely the material is provided, that isto say the smaller the average grain size, the more uniformly the firstencapsulation layer 161 can be applied. The more coarsely the materialis provided, that is to say the larger the average grain size, the morerapidly the first encapsulation layer 161 can be applied. Furthermore,the structure and also the quality of the first encapsulation layer candepend on the speed, the temperature and/or the composition of theplasma gas.

As an alternative to plasma spraying, a first encapsulation layer 161comprising glass can also be applied by means of flame spraying or bymeans of a thermal evaporation method.

The abovementioned methods for applying the first encapsulation layer161 enable the latter to be applied cost-effectively with a high growthrate. In particular, after application, the first encapsulation layer161 can have a thickness d of greater than or equal to 50 nm, andparticularly preferably a thickness d of greater than or equal to 100nm. Furthermore, the first encapsulation layer 161 can have a thicknessd of less than or equal to 1 μm. By means of such a thick firstencapsulation layer, the encapsulation arrangement, alongside theencapsulation, can also enable a mechanical protection of the organiclight-emitting diode 1 against damaging external influences.

The abovementioned methods, in particular at temperatures of thecomponent of less than 120° C., and particularly preferably of less than80° C., enable the first encapsulation layer 161 to be able to beapplied directly on the component, without the component or partsthereof being damaged.

The volume structure of the first encapsulation layer 161 can bepresent, for example, in crystalline and/or polycrystalline form. Inthis case, it can be possible for the volume structure of the firstencapsulation layer to have, for example, structural and/or latticedefects 163 such as, for example, dislocations, grain boundaries and/orstacking faults.

Furthermore, the first encapsulation layer 161 can have, on the sidewhich faces away from the organic layer sequence 133 and on which thesecond encapsulation layer 162 is arranged, a surface structure in theform of macroscopic topographical structures such as, for instance,slopes, elevations, angles, edges, corners, depressions, trenches,grooves, microlenses and/or prisms and/or in the form of microscopictopographical structures such as, for instance, a surface roughnessand/or pores (in this respect, see FIG. 19, in particular). In thiscase, structures of the surface structure which are resolvable by meansof visible light are ascribed to the macroscopic structures, whilemicroscopic structures are precisely no longer resolvable by means ofvisible light. That can mean that here structures designated asmacroscopic have dimensions of greater than or equal to approximately400 nm, while microscopic structures have dimensions which are less thanapproximately 400 nm.

The surface structure can be governed by the abovementioned applicationmethods themselves or else be producible, in particular in the case ofmacroscopic structures, by suitable further method steps such as, forinstance, the deposition through a mask and/or subsequent processing bymeans of mechanical and/or chemical removing methods. Macroscopicstructures can be suitable for light refraction and/or scattering, forexample, in the case of a transparent encapsulation layer sequence 160.

In particular both the abovementioned structural and lattice defects ofthe volume structure of the first encapsulation layer 161 and pores inthe surface structure of the first encapsulation layer 161 can formundesirable permeation paths for moisture and/or oxygen, which canenable or at least facilitate diffusion through the first encapsulationlayer.

The second encapsulation layer 162 can be suitable for enabling, incombination with the first encapsulation layer 161, the hermeticallyimpermeable encapsulation of the organic light-emitting diode 1. Forthis purpose, the second encapsulation layer 162 can be suitable, inparticular, for sealing the abovementioned permeation paths that canoccur in the first encapsulation layer.

For this purpose, the second encapsulation layer 162 can be arrangeddirectly on the first encapsulation layer 161 and in direct contact withthe first encapsulation layer 161. That can mean that the secondencapsulation layer 162 has a common interface with the firstencapsulation layer 161, and furthermore an upper surface facing awayfrom the common interface. The common interface is arranged, forexample, at the top side 161 a of the first encapsulation layer 161.

The second encapsulation layer 162 can be embodied in such a way that itcan at least partly or approximately follow the surface structure of thefirst encapsulation layer 161, which can mean that, in particular, thetop side of the second encapsulation layer 162 also at least partly orapproximately follows the topographical structure of the interface.

The fact that the upper surface of the second encapsulation layer 162 atleast partly follows the interface between the first 161 and secondencapsulation layer 162 and hence the surface structure of the firstencapsulation layer 161 can mean here and hereinafter that the uppersurface of the second encapsulation layer 162 likewise has atopographical surface structure. In this case, the topographical surfacestructure at the top side 162 a of the second encapsulation layer 162can preferably be embodied identically or similarly to the topographicalsurface structure at the top side 161 a of the first encapsulation layer161. “Identically” or “similarly” can mean in connection with two ormore topographical surface structures, in particular, that the two ormore topographical surface structures have identical or similar heightprofiles with mutually corresponding structures, such as elevations anddepressions, for instance. By way of example, the two or moretopographical surface structures in this sense can each have elevationsand depressions arranged laterally alongside one another in a specificcharacteristic sequence which, for example, apart from relative heightdifferences between the elevations and depressions, are identical forthe two or more topographical surface structures.

In other words, one surface which at least partly follows thetopographical surface structure of another area can have an elevation,arranged above an elevation of the topographical surface structure ofthe other area, or a depression, arranged above a depression of thetopographical surface structure of the other area. In this case, therelative height difference between adjacent elevations and depressionsof said one surface can also be different than the relative heightdifference between the corresponding elevations and depressions of thetopographical surface structure of the other area.

In other words, that can mean that the upper surface of the secondencapsulation layer and the interface between the first and secondencapsulation layers run parallel or at least approximately parallel.Thus, the second encapsulation layer can have a thickness which isindependent or approximately independent of the surface structure ofthat surface of the first encapsulation layer which faces away from thecomponent. “Approximately parallel”, “approximately independent” and“approximately constant” can mean, with regard to the thickness of thesecond encapsulation layer, that the latter has a thickness variation ofless than or equal to 10%, and particularly preferably of less than orequal to 5%, measured in relation to the total thickness of the secondencapsulation layer. Such an embodiment of the second encapsulationlayer with such a small thickness variation can also be designated asso-called “conformal coating”.

Furthermore, the second encapsulation layer 162 can have a thickness dwhich is smaller than the dimensions of at least some structures and, inparticular, the abovementioned macroscopic structures of the surfacestructure of the first encapsulation layer. In particular, the secondencapsulation layer can also follow those microscopic structures of thesurface structure of the first encapsulation layer whose dimensions arelarger than the thickness of the second encapsulation layer.

The thickness of the second encapsulation layer 162 can furthermore beindependent of a volume structure of the first encapsulation layer. Thatcan mean that the first encapsulation layer has no thickness variationof greater than 10% and particularly preferably no thickness variationof greater than 5% even over the partial regions of the firstencapsulation layer in which abovementioned lattice and/or structuraldefects 163 of the volume structure of the first encapsulation layer 161are situated and which extend, in particular, as far as the commoninterface 161 a with the second encapsulation layer 162.

Furthermore, the thickness d of the second encapsulation layer 162 can,in particular, also be independent of openings, elevations, depressionsand pores in that surface of the first encapsulation layer which facesthe second encapsulation layer. In the case where such surfacestructures are greater than the thickness d of the second encapsulationlayer 162 with regard to their dimensions, they can be covered by thesecond encapsulation layer with uniform and, in the sense above, atleast virtually identical thickness by virtue of the secondencapsulation layer 162 following the surface structure. In the casewhere the surface structures are less than or equal to the thickness ofthe second encapsulation layer 162 with regard to their dimensions, thesecond encapsulation layer 162 can cover the structure structureswithout following the latter, and in this case, however, likewise havean, in the above sense, at least virtually constant thickness.

In particular, the second encapsulation layer 162 can seal openingsand/or pores in the first encapsulation layer which have adepth-to-diameter ratio of greater than or equal to 10, and particularlypreferably of greater than or equal to 30. The encapsulation layersequence 160 can have the at least approximately identical thickness dof the second encapsulation layer 162, as described here, in particularalso when the first encapsulation layer 161 has a surface structurehaving overhanging structures, in particular overhanging macroscopicstructures, having negative angles.

Furthermore, the second encapsulation layer 162 can have a volumestructure which is independent of the surface structure of the top side161 a of the first encapsulation layer 161 facing the secondencapsulation layer 162. In addition, the second encapsulation layer 162can have a volume structure which is independent of the volume structureof the first encapsulation layer 161. That can mean that surface- and/orvolume-specific properties and features of the first encapsulation layer161 such as, for instance, the abovementioned surface structures and/orlattice and/or structural defects in the volume structure of the firstencapsulation layer 161 have no influence on the volume structure of thesecond encapsulation layer.

The second encapsulation layer 162 can comprise an oxide, a nitrideand/or an oxynitride as described in connection with the firstencapsulation layer. Particularly preferably, the second encapsulationlayer can comprise aluminum oxide, for instance Al₂O₃, and/or tantalumoxide, for instance Ta₂O₅.

In particular, the second encapsulation layer 162 can have a volumestructure having a higher amorphicity, that is to say irregularity inthe sense of short-range and/or long-range order of the materialscontained, than the first encapsulation layer. That can mean, inparticular, that the second encapsulation layer has such a highamorphicity that no crystallinity or crystal structure can beascertained. In this case, the second encapsulation layer 162 can becompletely amorphous, such that the materials forming the secondencapsulation layer 162 have no measurable short-range and/or long-rangeorder, but rather have a purely statistical, irregular distribution.

As a reference for ascertaining the amorphicity of the secondencapsulation layer 162 and also of the first encapsulation layer 161,in this case a shallow angle measurement in an X-ray diffractometer canbe used, for example, in which no crystallinity in the form of acrystalline, partly crystalline and/or polycrystalline structure can beascertained for the amorphous second encapsulation layer 162.

Although encapsulation layers having a crystalline, that is to saynon-amorphous, volume structure often have a higher density thanencapsulation layers having an amorphous volume structure, it wassurprisingly ascertained in conjunction with the device comprising theencapsulation layer sequence 160, as described here, that the secondencapsulation layer 162, if it has a high amorphicity, neverthelessenables, in combination with the first encapsulation layer 161, ahermetically impermeable encapsulation layer sequence 160. Inparticular, it can be advantageous in this case that the amorphoussecond encapsulation layer 162 does not continue structural and/orlattice defects 163 of the first encapsulation layer 161, such that, asa result, no continuous permeation paths for moisture and/or oxygenthrough the encapsulation arrangement can form either. Precisely throughthe combination of the first encapsulation layer 161 with the amorphoussecond encapsulation layer 162 it is possible to achieve anencapsulation layer sequence 160 which has a hermetic impermeabilitywith respect to moisture and/or oxygen and at the same time asufficiently large total thickness also to ensure a mechanicalprotection of the component.

The second encapsulation layer 162 can be producible on the firstencapsulation layer 161 by a method in which the surface structureand/or the volume structure of the first encapsulation layer 161 have noinfluence on the volume structure of the second encapsulation layer 162to be applied. The second encapsulation layer 162 can be producible, inparticular, by means of a method such that the material or materials tobe applied for the second encapsulation layer 162 can be applied withoutlong-range order, that is to say with an irregular distribution forproducing an amorphous volume structure. In this case, the secondencapsulation layer 162 can be applied, for example, in the form ofindividual layers of the material or materials to be applied, so-calledmonolayers, wherein each of the monolayers follows the surface structureof the area to be coated. In this case, the constituents and materialsof a monolayer can be distributed and applied in a statistically anddistributed manner and independently of one another on the entire areato be coated, wherein, particularly preferably, the entire area iscovered continuously with the monolayer. In this case, the area to becoated can be that surface of the first encapsulation layer 161 whichfaces away from the organic layer sequence 133 or a monolayer alreadyapplied on the first encapsulation layer 161.

A method which enables such individual layers to be applied can bedesignated as a variant of atomic layer deposition. Atomic layerdeposition (ALD) can designate a method in which, in comparison with anabove-described CVD method for producing an encapsulation layer 162 on asurface, firstly a first of at least two gaseous starting compounds isfed to a volume, in which the component is provided. The first startingcompound can adsorb on the surface. For the encapsulation layer sequence160 described here it can be advantageous if the first starting compoundadsorbs irregularly and without a long-range order on the surface. Afterpreferably complete or virtually complete covering of the surface withthe first starting compound, a second of the at least two startingcompounds can be fed in. The second starting compound can react with thefirst starting compound adsorbed at the surface as irregularly aspossible but preferably with complete area coverage, as a result ofwhich a monolayer of the second encapsulation layer 162 can be formed.As in the case of a CVD method, it can be advantageous if the at leastone surface is heated to a temperature above room temperature. As aresult, the reaction for forming a monolayer can be thermally initiated.In this case, the surface temperature, which, for example, can also bethe component temperature, that is to say the temperature of thecomponent, can depend on the starting materials, that is to say thefirst and second starting compounds. By repeating these method steps, aplurality of monolayers can successively be applied one on top ofanother. In this case, for the production of the encapsulation layersequence 160 described here it is advantageous if the arrangements ofthe materials or starting compounds of the individual monolayers areindependent of one another from monolayer to monolayer, such that anamorphous volume structure can form not only laterally along theextension plane of the surface to be coated, but also into the height.

The first and second starting compounds can be, for example, inconnection with the materials mentioned further above for the secondencapsulation layer, organometallic compounds such as, for instance,trimethyl metal compounds and also oxygen-containing compounds. In orderto produce a second encapsulation layer comprising Al₂O₃, it is possibleto provide, for example, trimethylaluminum and also water or N₂O asstarting compounds.

A plasmaless variant of atomic layer deposition (“plasmaless atomiclayer deposition”, PLALD) can in this case designate an ALD method forwhich no plasma is generated, as described below, but rather in which,in order to form the monolayers, the reaction of the abovementionedstarting compounds is initiated only by means of the temperature of thesurface to be coated.

The temperature of the at least one surface and/or of the component canbe, for example, greater than or equal to 60° C. and less than or equalto 120° C. in the case of a PLALD method.

A plasma enhanced variant of atomic layer deposition (“plasma enhancedatomic layer deposition”, PEALD) can designate an ALD method in whichthe second starting compound is fed in with simultaneous generation of aplasma, as a result of which, as in the case of PECVD methods, it can bepossible for the second starting compound to be excited. As a result, incomparison with a plasmaless ALD method, the temperature to which the atleast one surface is heated can be reduced and the reaction betweenstarting compounds can nevertheless be initiated by the generation ofplasma. In this case, the monolayers can be applied, for example, at atemperature of less than 120° C. and preferably less than or equal to80° C. In order to produce further monolayers, the steps of feeding inthe first starting compound and then feeding in the second startingcompound can be repeated.

The degree of amorphicity of the second encapsulation layer 162 can beimplemented by the choice of suitable starting compounds, temperatures,plasma conditions and/or gas pressures.

After application, the second encapsulation layer 162 can be applied ina thickness d of greater than or equal to 1 nm, particularly preferablyof greater than or equal to 10 nm, and less than or equal to 30 nm. Thatcan mean that the second encapsulation layer 162 has greater than orequal to 1 monolayer, particularly preferably greater than or equal to10 monolayers, and less than or equal to 50 monolayers of the materialsof the second encapsulation layer. By virtue of the high density andquality of the second encapsulation layer 162, such a thickness can besufficient to ensure an effective protection against moisture and/oroxygen, for the underlying component in combination with the firstencapsulation layer 161. On account of the small thickness d of thesecond encapsulation layer 162, a short process time and hence a higheconomic viability of the encapsulation arrangement described here canbe ensured. The encapsulation layer sequence 160 can, in particular, bearranged directly and immediately on an electrode 107, 101. That canmean that the first encapsulation layer 161 of the encapsulation layersequence 160 is arranged directly and immediately for example on thesecond electrode 107.

Furthermore, the encapsulation layer sequence 160 can have a thirdencapsulation layer, which is arranged between the first encapsulationlayer 161 and the organic layer sequence 133. In this case, the thirdencapsulation layer can comprise, in particular, an inorganic materialas described in connection with the second encapsulation layer 162.Furthermore, the third encapsulation layer can be amorphous.Furthermore, the third encapsulation layer can have one or a pluralityof further features as described in connection with the secondencapsulation layer 162. Furthermore, the second and third encapsulationlayers can be embodied identically.

The first encapsulation layer 161 can be arranged directly andimmediately on the third encapsulation layer. Furthermore, the thirdencapsulation layer can be arranged directly on the component. In thiscase, the third encapsulation layer can enable, for the firstencapsulation layer, a homogeneous application surface independently ofthe surface of the component.

Furthermore, the encapsulation layer sequence 160 can have a pluralityof first 161 and a plurality of second encapsulation layers 162 whichare arranged alternately one above another, wherein the encapsulationlayer arranged the closest to the organic layer sequence 133 is a firstencapsulation layer 161. The first 161 and second encapsulation layers162 of the plurality of the first 161 and second encapsulation layers162, respectively, can each be embodied identically or differently. Inthis case, here and hereinafter, a “plurality” can mean at least anumber of two.

By means of such repetition of the encapsulation layer constructioncomprising the first and second encapsulation layers, the encapsulationof the organic light-emitting diode 1 can be improved. Furthermore, themechanical robustness of the encapsulation layer sequence 160 can beincreased. The optical properties of the encapsulation arrangement canbe adapted through a suitable choice of the materials of the respectivefirst and second encapsulation layers.

The following can also be explained in concrete terms with respect tothe individual FIGS. 15 to 19:

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG.15, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration. The organiclight-emitting diode 1 comprises a first carrier 130. The first carriercan be formed from a radiation-transmissive material, such as a glass,for example, or a non-radiation-transmissive material, such as a metalor a ceramic material, for example. The functional layers 180, that isto say the first electrode 101, the organic layer sequence 133 and alsothe second electrode 107, are arranged on the first carrier 130. A firstencapsulation layer 161, as has just been explained in greater detail,is applied to the side areas and also at the top side 107 a of thesecond electrode 107. The exposed outer area of the first encapsulationlayer 161 is completely covered by the second encapsulation layer 162,which is likewise constructed in the manner just explained. The firstencapsulation layer 161 and the second encapsulation layer 162 form theencapsulation layer sequence 160.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG.16, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration. In contrast tothe exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 15, thefirst carrier 130 in this exemplary embodiment is embodied as a flexiblecarrier. In this case, the flexible carrier is hermetically sealed allaround by an encapsulation layer sequence 60 described above. As analternative to the first carrier 130 being encapsulated all around, itis also possible for only the top side of the flexible carrier facingthe organic layer sequence 133 to be provided with the encapsulationlayer sequence 160. At all events, a carrier which is flexible and atthe same time sealed hermetically impermeably against externalinfluences such as moisture and atmospheric gases is realized in thisway. The first carrier 130 can, in this way, be formed for example by aninherently gas- and/or moisture-permeable plastic film which canhermetically terminate the organic light-emitting diode 1 on account ofthe encapsulation with the encapsulation layer sequence 160.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG.17, on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration. In thisexemplary embodiment, the first carrier 130 and the functional layers180 arranged on the first carrier 130 are enclosed jointly, all aroundby the encapsulation layer sequence 160. Such an embodiment isparticularly well suited to the formation of a flexible organiclight-emitting diode 1. In this case, the first carrier 130 can beconfigured in flexible fashion, for example as a film. The functionallayers 180 are encapsulated jointly with the first carrier 130, thusresulting in a certain flexibility for the entire organic light-emittingdiode. That is to say that the organic light-emitting diode is pliableand suitable for withstanding a multiplicity of bending cycles withoutbeing damaged.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diodedescribed here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG.18. In this exemplary embodiment, the organic light-emitting diodecomprises two carriers 130, 131. Both carriers 130, 131 can be embodiedas rigid carriers. By way of example, the carriers 130, 131 are eachformed with a glass or consist of a glass. The carriers 130, 131 areconnected to one another by a connecting means 140 such as is describedfurther above with FIG. 7 or 8, for example. The connecting means 140is, for example, a glass solder or a glass frit material. The connectingmeans 140 adjoins the second carrier 131 and the first carrier 130 atleast in places at its top side 140 a and its underside 140 b,respectively. The side areas 140 c of the connecting means 140 aresealed with the encapsulation layer sequence 160. In this case, theencapsulation layer sequence 160 can also extend over the side areas offirst carrier 130 and second carrier 131 (not illustrated).

FIG. 18 represents a general example of the fact that the sealing andencapsulation techniques described here can be combined with oneanother. Thus, the encapsulation layer sequence 160 described inconjunction with FIGS. 15 to 19 can also be combined in combination withthe connecting means 140 described here, the diffusion barrier 153, thethin-film encapsulation 154, the pre-encapsulation layer 156 and/or theresist layer 150. Depending on the requirements made of the organiclight-emitting diode 1, therefore, it is possible to choose anencapsulation which enables a longest possible lifetime of the organiclight-emitting diode 1 in the respective environment in which theorganic light-emitting diode 1 is intended to be used.

In conjunction with FIG. 19, the encapsulation layer sequence 160 havingthe first encapsulation layer 161 and the second encapsulation layer 162is illustrated in an enlarged fashion. As can be seen from FIG. 19, thetop side 161 a of the first encapsulation layer, on which the secondencapsulation layer 162 is applied, has a surface structure in the formof a roughness brought about, for example, by the application method bywhich the first encapsulation layer 161 is produced. Furthermore, thevolume structure of the first encapsulation layer 161 has structural orlattice defects 163, such as pores or dislocations, for instance, whichare indicated merely schematically and purely by way of example. In thiscase, the structural and lattice defects 163 can extend—as shown—as faras the top side 161 a of the first encapsulation layer 161, that is tosay as far as the interface between the first 161 and the secondencapsulation layer 162. The second encapsulation layer 162 is embodiedin such a way that structural and lattice defects 163 of this type haveno influence on the volume structure of the second encapsulation layer162. The second encapsulation layer 162 is therefore embodied with auniformly amorphous volume structure and covers the first encapsulationlayer 161 over the whole area, as a result of which possible permeationpaths for moisture and/or atmospheric gases which are formed by latticeand structural defects 163 of the volume structure of the firstencapsulation layer 161 are also sealed. As a result, a hermeticencapsulation of the organic light-emitting diode 1, in particularagainst moisture and/or oxygen, can be made possible by means of theencapsulation layer sequence 160 and, in particular, by means of thecombination of the first 161 and the second encapsulation layer 162.

In particular the encapsulation techniques described in conjunction withFIGS. 10 to 19 and combinations of these encapsulation techniques areparticularly well suited to the formation of a flexible organiclight-emitting diode. A flexible organic light-emitting diode 1 isdistinguished, inter alia, by the fact that it is pliable to a certaindegree, without being damaged in the process. Preferably, the organiclight-emitting diode 1 embodied in a flexible fashion is repeatedlypliable without being damaged in the process. The organic light-emittingdiode 1 is then suitable, therefore, for withstanding a plurality ofbending cycles without being damaged. Particularly preferably, theorganic light-emitting diode 1 can be embodied, for example, flexiblysuch that it can be wound up onto a roll and can be unwound from theroll, without being damaged in the process.

In particular the encapsulation layer sequence 160 described hereenables such a flexible organic light-emitting diode 1. In order to forma flexible organic light-emitting diode 1, the encapsulation of theorganic light-emitting diode is also embodied in a flexible fashion. Inthis case, flexible means, inter alia, that the encapsulation is pliableto a certain degree, without the encapsulation being damaged in thecourse of bending.

Furthermore, in the case of a flexible organic light-emitting diode 1,the first 130 and the second carrier 131 are also embodied in a flexiblefashion. By way of example, the carriers 130, 131 are a thin glasslayer, a laminate or a film. By way of example, the flexible carrier130, 131 can be a plastic-glass-plastic laminate or aplastic-metal-plastic laminate.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG.20. In this case, the organic light-emitting diode comprises at least afirst electrode 101, an organic encapsulation layer sequence 133 and asecond electrode 107. A sputtering protective layer 170 is appliedbetween the organic layer sequence 133 and the second electrode 107. Thesputtering protective layer 170 is an electrically conductive, inorganicprotective layer.

The organic layer sequence 133 is protected against impairment and/ordamage, in particular during the production of the organiclight-emitting diode 1, by means of the electrically conductive,inorganic sputtering protective layer 170. Such impairment or damage canoccur, for instance, during the production of the organic light-emittingdiode 1. Such impairment or damage of the organic layer sequence 133 canthen result in a shorter lifetime of the organic light emitting diode 1or in a lower luminance of the electromagnetic radiation generated bythe organic light-emitting diode 1.

By way of example, the second electrode 107 is deposited onto theorganic layer sequence 133 by means of a high-energy process, such assputtering. Such a high-energy process can lead, in the absence of thesputtering protective layer 170, to damage to the organic layer sequence133 as a result of the bombardment of the organic layer sequence 133with gas ions and/or the material to be applied by sputtering. By meansof the high-energy process, by way of example, a second electrode 107consisting of a TCO material or a metal can be applied to the organiclayer sequence 133.

The sputtering protective layer 170 can comprise for example atransition metal oxide, which can comprise for example tungsten oxide,vanadium oxide, molybdenum oxide, rhenium oxide, nickel oxide orcombinations or mixtures thereof or consists of these materials.Furthermore, the sputtering protective layer 170 can also comprisemetals, such as magnesium or silver, for instance.

In the exemplary embodiment in accordance with FIG. 20, the sputteringprotective layer 170 contains or consists of a transition metal oxide,such as WO₃, V₂O₅, MoO₃, Re₂O₇ or NiO. The second electrode 107 isapplied above the sputtering protective layer 170. The second electrode107 is applied directly to the sputtering protective layer 170 forexample by means of a high-energy deposition process, such assputtering.

The possibilities for encapsulation, sealing and for protection of theorganic layer sequence 133 against damage and external influences, asdescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 7 to 20, can be used for all of theorganic light-emitting diodes and luminaires described here. Inparticular, any combination of the organic light-emitting diodes 1described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 6 can be combined by means ofone or a combination of the organic light-emitting diodes 1 described inconjunction with FIGS. 7 to 20. In this way, it is possible to produce,for example, organic light-emitting diodes 1 which emit white light, aretransparent, emit on both sides and are protected against externalinfluences particularly well by means of diffusion barriers, thin-filmencapsulations, encapsulation layer sequences, and/or connecting means.Combinations of the protection methods for organic light-emitting diodes1, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 7 to 20, can result forexample in a organic light-emitting diode 1 which has an organic layersequence 133 hermetically sealed by means of an encapsulation layersequence 160, wherein the organic layer sequence 133 encapsulated inthis way is arranged between a first carrier 130 and a second carrier131. In this case, first carrier 130 and second carrier 131 can beconnected to one another by means of a connecting means 140, such as aglass solder, for example. The organic light-emitting diode 1 is thendistinguished by a particularly good encapsulation which allows theorganic light-emitting diode to be used, for example, in particularlymoist rooms, such as a bathroom. Such an organic light-emitting diode 1can then even be used in the vicinity of or in sanitary installationssuch as a bath tub or a shower.

In the case of the exemplary embodiments described in conjunction withFIGS. 1 to 20, the radiation exit areas of the organic light-emittingdiode 1 are in each case embodied in flat fashion. Such organiclight-emitting diodes 1 generally have a Lambertian emissioncharacteristic. In conjunction with FIGS. 21 to 25, exemplaryembodiments of organic light-emitting diodes 1 described here will nowbe described in greater detail, wherein the organic light-emitting diode1 has a directional emission profile.

In conjunction with FIG. 21, a first exemplary embodiment of an organiclight-emitting diode 1 having a directional emission profile asdescribed here is explained in greater detail on the basis of aschematic perspective illustration. The organic light-emitting diode 1comprises functional layers 180 having, for example, a first electrode101, a second electrode 107 and an organic layer sequence 133 arrangedbetween first electrode 101 and second electrode 107.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 furthermore has a second carrier 131.The second carrier 131 comprises a structured radiation exit area 175.The structured radiation exit area 175 has a multiplicity of first areas175 a and second areas 175 b. The first areas 175 a are inclined by anangle α relative to a plane running, for example, parallel to the mainextension plane (xy plane) of the organic layer sequence 133. The secondareas 175 b are inclined by an angle β relative to said plane.

The emission of electromagnetic radiation generated in the organic layersequence 133 is effected through the second carrier 131 and theradiation passage area 175. In this case, the structured radiation exitarea 175 can be applied in the form of a separate layer onto the topside of the second carrier 131 facing away from the organic layersequence 133. Furthermore, it is possible for the structured radiationexit area 175 to be formed by a structuring of the second carrier 131.Furthermore, it is possible that, instead of the second carrier 131, forexample, an encapsulation layer sequence 160 such as is described ingreater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 15 to 19 is arranged on thesecond electrode 107. In this case, for example, the secondencapsulation layer 162 can be embodied as a structured radiation exitarea. In this case, the second encapsulation layer can be arrangeddirectly on the first encapsulation layer 161. This is indicated by thedashed line in FIG. 21.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 21, the structured radiation exitarea 175 is structured into a multiplicity of prisms arranged parallelto one another, wherein the first areas 175 a and the second areas 175 bform the top area of the organic light-emitting diode 1 facing away fromthe organic layer sequence 133. For reasons of clarity, in each caseonly two of the multiplicity of first areas 175 a and second areas 175 bare illustrated in FIG. 21.

Neither the first areas 175 a nor the second areas 175 b are arrangedparallel to the organic layer sequence 133. Consequently, these areasare also not arranged parallel to the plane (xy plane) in which theorganic light-emitting diode 1—that is to say for example the organiclayer sequence—is embodied in planar fashion.

In this case, the extent of the prisms in the y direction is preferablyof macroscopic orders of magnitude, that is to say for example in therange of millimeters to decimeters. For example, the extent of theprisms in the y direction can extend over the entire length of theorganic light-emitting diode 1. The width of the prisms in the xdirection is preferably greater than the wavelength of the lightgenerated by the organic light-emitting diode 1, such that diffractioneffects at the prisms hardly or do not take place. The width of theprisms is preferably of microscopic orders of magnitude, for example inthe submillimeters range, such that a structuring in the x direction ofthe radiation exit area 175 is not visible to the human observer. Thewidth b of a prism can be 500 μm or less, preferably 250 μm or less. Thelength l of a prism can be 1 cm or more, preferably 5 cm or more.

The first areas 175 a of the structured radiation exit area 175 areembodied as transparent or at least radiation-transmissive, whereas thesecond areas 176 are reflective to the electromagnetic radiationgenerated in the organic light-emitting diode. The second areas 175 bcan be made reflective at a shallow angle of incidence for example byvapor deposition with metal particles.

In this way, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 21, only the firstareas 175 a constitute radiation exit areas of the organiclight-emitting diode 1. That is to say that electromagnetic radiationcan leave the organic light-emitting diode 1 only through the firstareas 175 a. In this way, the organic light-emitting diode 1 has anemission profile which has a main emission direction inclined relativeto the z axis in the direction of the x axis. In this case, theinclination angle of the main emission direction of the organiclight-emitting diode 1 is substantially determined by the angle α.

Electromagnetic radiation which is generated by the organic layersequence 133 and which is reflected at the second areas 175 b canlikewise emerge from the light-emitting device through theradiation-transmissive first areas 175 a after one or more internalreflections. Alternatively, it is possible for the organiclight-emitting diode 1 to be an organic light-emitting diode 1 whichemits on both sides and in which the organic layer sequence 133 and alsothe electrodes 101, 107 are embodied in radiation-transmissive fashion.In this way, reflected radiation can emerge from the organiclight-emitting diode 1 for example on the opposite side of the radiationexit area 175 illustrated. In this case, the opposite radiation exitarea can also be structured in the manner described, thus resulting inan organic light-emitting diode 1 which emits electromagnetic radiationdirectionally on both sides.

The angles α and β at which the first 175 a and second areas 175 b arearranged influence the angular distribution of the emittedelectromagnetic radiation and the frequency of the internal reflections.

The structured radiation exit area 175 can be, for example, a separate,correspondingly structured film applied to the second carrier 131.Furthermore, it is possible—as already discussed above—for thestructured radiation exit area 175 to be structured directly into thesecond carrier 131 or to be formed by part of an encapsulation layersequence 160.

Different emission profiles (angle-dependent distribution of the emittedintensity) of organic light-emitting diodes 1 having a structuredradiation exit area 175 are illustrated in conjunction with FIG. 22.Firstly, the underlying coordinate system is illustrated in FIG. 22a .The organic light-emitting diode 1 forms, with its lateral organic layersequence 133 embodied in planar fashion, the xy plane of the coordinatesystem. In the case of a non-structured radiation exit area 175, aLambertian emission profile in the direction of the z axis generallyarises for the organic light-emitting diode 1. Directional emissionprofiles can then be achieved by means of the structuring of theradiation exit area 175.

By way of example, in conjunction with FIGS. 22b and 22c , a type A-1and type A-2 emission profile, respectively, is shown, which isdistinguished by a symmetrical, cardioid radiation directiondistribution having two maxima both in the x direction and in the ydirection (type A-1) or in one of the two directions (type A-2). Suchemission patterns are particularly well suited for example to generallighting in rooms.

The emission profile shown in FIG. 22d , called type B, is greatlyasymmetrical in at least one of the directions x and y and isparticularly well suited for example to directional lighting. By way ofexample, such an emission profile can be used for desk lighting in whicha work area is illuminated in a directional fashion without dazzling theuser. Such an emission profile can be achieved with the exemplaryembodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1 described here asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 21.

In conjunction with FIG. 23, a further exemplary embodiment of anorganic light-emitting diode 1 described here is explained in greaterdetail on the basis of a perspective schematic illustration.

In this exemplary embodiment, the top side of the first carrier 130facing the functional layers 180 is structured into parallel prismshaving first areas 175 a and second areas 175 b. The lateral, planarextent of the organic light-emitting diode 1 and thus of the firstcarrier 130 lies in the xy plane. Relative to this xy plane, the firstareas 175 a are inclined by the angle α and the second areas 175 b bythe angle β. The functional layers 180 are applied to the first areas175 a. The second areas 175 b are free of functional layers. In thiscase, the first carrier 130 can be formed for example with a metal, witha glass, with a ceramic material or with a plastic material. In thiscase, the first carrier can, in particular, also be embodied in flexiblefashion and is formed by a film or a laminate.

An encapsulation and hermetic sealing of the organic light-emittingdiode 1 described in conjunction with FIG. 23 can be effected forexample by means of an encapsulation layer sequence 160 or by otherencapsulation methods described in conjunction with FIGS. 7 to 19.

Advantageously and in contrast to the exemplary embodiment illustratedin conjunction with FIG. 21, the functional layers 180 in the exemplaryembodiment in FIG. 23 can be separately drivable. In this way, thebrightness of the light generated by the organic light-emitting diode 1can be regulated particularly well by more or fewer of the functionallayers 180 being energized—depending on the desired brightness.Furthermore, it is possible for the functional layers 180 to differparticularly with regard to the construction of the organic layersequence 133, such that different functional layers can emitelectromagnetic radiation having different wavelengths.

In conjunction with FIG. 24, a further exemplary embodiment of anorganic light-emitting diode 1 described here is explained in greaterdetail on the basis of a schematic perspective illustration. In thisexemplary embodiment, the first carrier 130 is structured into amultiplicity of parallel prisms. In contrast to the exemplary embodimentin FIG. 23, not only the first areas 175 a are covered with functionallayers 180, but also the second areas 175 b are covered with functionallayers 180.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 24, the structuredradiation exit area 175 is structured in the form of prisms having thecross section of an isosceles triangle. The arrangement shown results ina symmetrical emission characteristic of the type A-2, with two mainradiation directions which are inclined from the z axis by the angle α=βin positive and negative x directions. In the y direction, to a firstapproximation a Lambertian emission profile arises given a sufficientextent of the organic light-emitting diode 1. If the angles α and β arechosen not to be identical, the two main radiation directions areinclined from the z axis by different angles. At the same time, theintensity with which emission is effected in the main emission directiondiffers on account of the resultant areas of the functional layers 180having different magnitudes.

Further possibilities for the structuring of the first carrier 130 orgenerally for the structuring of the radiation exit area 175 aredescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 25 a, b, c on the basis of schematicsectional illustrations. In the exemplary embodiment described inconjunction with FIG. 25a , the angles a and β are chosen to havedifferent magnitudes. This results in a distribution of the type A-2with different intensities in both main emission directions. For anorganic light-emitting diode 1 which emits on both sides, for example,the underside of the first carrier 130 can also be correspondinglystructured, as is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 25 a.

With reference to FIGS. 25b and 25c it is clarified that the structuringof the radiation exit area 175 need not necessarily be effected by theformation of plane areas 175 a, 175 b arranged at specific angles withrespect to one another, rather that a structuring can be effected in anydesired way, for example in the manner of cylinder sections and thelike.

Overall, with reference to FIGS. 21 to 25 it is clarified that anorganic light-emitting diode 1 having a directional emissioncharacteristic can be specified by means of the structuring of carriers,encapsulation layers and/or functional layers. In this case, the beamdirecting can be effected for example by reflection, refraction and/orcorresponding orientation of the functional layers 180.

Corresponding structurings can be used for all of the encapsulation andsealing techniques described in conjunction with FIGS. 7 to 20.Furthermore, it is possible to use all of the radiation-emitting layersequences described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 6 for organiclight-emitting diodes 1 having a directional emission characteristic.Any desired combinations of the organic light-emitting diodes 1described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 25 are also possible.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1described here is explained in greater detail in conjunction with theschematic sectional illustrations in FIGS. 26A and 26B. The organiclight-emitting diode 1 described in conjunction with FIGS. 26A and 26Bis particularly well suited to the illumination of an area 185 a to beilluminated of an element 185 to be illuminated.

The area 185 a to be illuminated of the element 185 is, for example,part of an outer area of the element 185 to be illuminated.

By way of example, the element 185 to be illuminated can be a tile, aposter, a slab, a traffic sign, an information board, a sign, an imageor any other element. The element 185 to be illuminated can also be amirror, for example, which has a reflective mirror area as area 185 a tobe illuminated.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 is applied at least indirectly to theelement 185 to be illuminated. The organic light-emitting diode 1 can befixed for example directly on the element 185 to be illuminated. By wayof example, the organic light-emitting diode 1 can be adhesively bondedby means of a transparent adhesive onto the element 185 to beilluminated. Other fixing methods such as hook and loop fasteners, screwconnections, clamping connections, press-fit connections or the like arealso possible.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 is a radiation-transmissive,preferably a transparent organic light-emitting diode 1 such as isdescribed here.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the organiclight-emitting diode 1 comprises a first carrier 130 and a secondcarrier 131. The functional layers 180, that is to say for example thefirst electrode 101, the second electrode 107 and also the organicallayer sequence 133, are arranged between first carrier 130 and secondcarrier 131. In this case, the organic light-emitting diode 1 can beencapsulated as described here. That is to say that the organiclight-emitting diode 1 need not have two carriers 130, 131, rather itcan, for example, also be encapsulated by means of a diffusion barrier153, a thin-film encapsulation 154, a pre-encapsulation layer 156 and/oran encapsulation layer sequence 160. In this case, it is also possible,in particular, for the organic light-emitting diode 1 with theencapsulation layer sequence 160 to be applied, for example adhesivelybonded, onto the area 185 a to be illuminated of the element 185 to beilluminated. Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the organiclight-emitting diode 1 is embodied in flexible fashion. It can then beadapted particularly well to the course of the area 185 a to beilluminated.

FIG. 26a shows the organic light-emitting diode 1 in a switched-offoperating state. That is to say that no electromagnetic radiation isgenerated in the radiation-emitting region 104 of the organiclight-emitting diode 1. Electromagnetic radiation 190 impinging fromoutside on the area 185 a to be illuminated can penetrate through thetransparent organic light-emitting diode 1 and is reflected from thearea 185 a to be illuminated. In this way, an observer sees only thearea 185 a to be illuminated, for example an image, a traffic sign, aninformation board, a mirror or the like.

FIG. 26b illustrates the organic light-emitting diode schematically in aswitched-on operating state. In this switched-on operating state, theradiation-emitting region 104 of the organic light-emitting diode 1emits electromagnetic radiation 191, which impinges on the area 185 a tobe illuminated and is at least partly reflected there. Furthermore,electromagnetic radiation 193 can also emerge directly from the organiclight-emitting diode 1, without impinging beforehand on the area 185 ato be illuminated. The relative ratio of the intensities of indirectlyemerging electromagnetic radiation 192 and directly emergingelectromagnetic radiation 193 can be adjustable and selectable forexample by means of an optical cavity or else by means of firstelectrodes 101 and second electrodes 107 having different degrees oftransparency.

In this case, an “optical cavity” can mean, here and hereinafter, inparticular, that the organic light-emitting diode 1 forms an opticalresonator in which electromagnetic radiation having one or more specificwavelengths and/or one or more specific emission directions canpreferably be generated, which can also be designated as resonances ormodes. For this purpose, by way of example, the first electrode 101, theorganic layer sequence 133 and the second electrode 107 can be embodiedas an optical cavity. That can mean that the at least partly transparentfirst electrode 101 and the at least partly transparent second electrode107 additionally also have a reflectivity for the electromagneticradiation generated in the radiation-emitting region 104. Alternativelyor additionally, the first electrode 101, the organic layer sequence 133and the second electrode 107 can be arranged between partly reflectivelayers, which additionally are also partly transparent. The followingdescription of the optical cavity is explained purely by way of examplefor partly reflective electrodes 101, 107.

The first electrode 101 and/or the second electrode 107 can have areflectance R and/or R′, respectively, and the organical layer sequence133 can have a refractive index n for the electromagnetic radiationgenerated in the radiation-emitting region 104. Since the first 101 andsecond electrode 107 are partly transparent, R<1 and R′<1 hold true inthis case. The refractive index n can be constant over the organic layersequence 133 or can be constant at least in partial regions, for examplein different organic layers. Furthermore, the refractive index n canalso vary over the organic layer sequence 133. The radiation-emittingregion 104 of the organic layer sequence can have a thickness d and canbe arranged in a manner spaced apart with an average distance L from thefirst electrode 101 and with an average distance L′ from the secondelectrode 107. In this case, the average distance L and the averagedistance L′ designate the distances from the first electrode 101 andfrom the second electrode 107, respectively, which are averaged over thethickness d of the radiation-emitting region 104. In this case, theparameters R, R′, n, d, L and L′ can be chosen in such a way that theorganic layer sequence has a specific emission characteristic.

By way of example, the reflectances R and R′ of the first and secondelectrodes and the refractive index n of the organic layer sequence 133can be predetermined on account of the respective choice of material,such that the desired emission characteristic can be made possible bythe choice of the average distances L and L′ and the thickness d of theradiation-emitting region 104. As an alternative thereto, the dimensionsof the organic layer sequence 133 and of the radiation-emitting region104, that is to say the average distances L and L′ and the thickness dcan be predetermined, for example by the construction or the method forproduction of the organic light-emitting diode 1. In this case, thedesired emission characteristic can be made possible by the choice ofthe material for the first 101 and second electrode 107 by way of thereflectance R and R′ thereof.

By way of example, the average distances L and L′ can be of the order ofmagnitude of the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation generatedin the radiation-emitting region 104, or smaller. If the electromagneticradiation has a spectral distribution of a plurality of wavelengthsand/or wavelength ranges, the electromagnetic radiation can in this casealso be characterized by an average wavelength and the dimensions of theorganic layer sequence 133, here and hereinafter, can be related to theaverage wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation.

Furthermore, the average distances L, L′ can also be less than or equalto half the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation, or less than orequal to a quarter of the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation,or even less than or equal to an eighth of the wavelength of theelectromagnetic radiation. Furthermore or additionally, the averagedistances L and L′ can be greater than or equal to 1/20 of thewavelength of the electromagnetic radiation or else greater than orequal to 1/10.

Such average distances L and L′ can bring about, in conjunction with thepartly reflective first 101 and second electrode 107, the formation ofan at least semilaterally reflective cavity in the radiation-emittinglayer sequence. In this case, a photon or wave packet emitted by anexcited state (exciton) in the radiation-emitting region 104 can bereflected at the first electrode 101 and at the second electrode 107. Byvirtue of the fact that the average distances L and L′ can be of theorder of magnitude of the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation orsmaller, when expressed in a simplified way, a feedback of the emittedwave packet with the excited state can still be possible during theemission of the wave packet, such that the excited state, during theemission of the wave packet, can be influenced by the electromagneticfield of its “own” reflected wave packet. Depending on the phase angleof the reflected wave packet, an amplification or attenuation of theemission of the excited state can thus be made possible. In this case,the phase angle can be dependent on the refractive index n of theorganic layer sequence 133, the reflectivities R, R′ of the first 101and second electrode 107 in conjunction with the penetration depth ofthe electromagnetic radiation into the first 101 and second electrode107, and also on the distances between the excited state and the first101 and second electrode 107 in conjunction with the emission directionof the wave packet. As a result, a mode structure which can fosterand/or bring about an emission of the electromagnetic radiation inspecific directions can be formed in the organic layer sequence.Furthermore, the thickness d of the radiation-emitting region 104 canalso influence the formation of emission modes.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 can have an emission characteristicof the electromagnetic radiation generated in the radiation-emittingregion 104, such that the electromagnetic radiation is emitted with afirst intensity in the direction of the element 185 to be illuminatedand is emitted with a second intensity in the direction of the radiationexit area 174. In this case, the first intensity and the secondintensity can be defined at outer areas of the organic light-emittingdiode 1, that is to say, for example, at surfaces of the first 101 orsecond electrode 107, of a carrier 130, 133, or of an encapsulationlayer sequence 160, which face away from the organic layer sequence 133.“Intensity in the direction” of the element 185 to be illuminated and ofthe radiation exit area 174 can respectively denote, for the first andsecond intensities, the respective total intensity into the half-spaceson that side of the organic light-emitting diode 1 which faces andrespectively faces away from the element 185 to be illuminated.

In this case, the electromagnetic radiation having the first intensity,which is emitted from the organic light-emitting diode 1 in thedirection of the element 185 to be illuminated, can illuminate the atleast partly non-transparent area 185 a to be illuminated. By virtue ofthe fact that the area 185 a to be illuminated is at least partlynon-transparent, at least part of the electromagnetic radiation havingthe first intensity can be reflected in the direction of the radiationexit area 174 and be perceptible by an external observer through theradiation exit area 174. In other words, that can mean that, for anexternal observer, the area 185 a to be illuminated of the carrierelement can be illuminated and thus perceptible in a switched-onoperating state of the organic light-emitting diode 1. This can be thecase, in particular, if the first intensity is greater than the secondintensity.

In this case, such an emission characteristic can be made possible, forexample, by the optical cavity as described above.

Alternatively or additionally, the first 101 and second electrode 107can have mutually different transmissivities. If, for instance, thefirst electrode 101 is arranged on that side of the organic layersequence 133 which faces the element 185 to be illuminated, and has agreater transmissivity than the second electrode 107, it can be possiblethat the electromagnetic radiation generated in the radiation-emittingregion 104 is emitted with a first intensity in the direction of theelement 185 to be illuminated, said first intensity being greater thanthe second intensity.

As an alternative thereto, the second intensity can be greater than thefirst intensity. Such an emission characteristic can be made possible,in turn, by means of an optical cavity, for example. Alternatively oradditionally, by way of example, the second electrode 107 can bearranged on that side of the organic layer sequence 133 which faces awayfrom the element 185 to be illuminated, and can have a greatertransmissivity than the first electrode 101. In this case, it can bepossible that the area 185 a to be illuminated is perceptible lessclearly in comparison with the switched-off operating state of theorganic light-emitting diode 1 since an external observer can perceivethe reflected electromagnetic radiation having the first intensity andthe electromagnetic radiation having the second intensity that isemitted directly via the radiation exit area of the radiation-emittingarrangement, as a superimposition. Furthermore, in the switched-onoperating state, the area 185 a to be illuminated can be no longerperceptible at all if the electromagnetic radiation having the firstintensity that is reflected at the at least partly non-transparent mainsurface is outshone in the above sense by the electromagnetic radiationhaving the second intensity.

Thus, the organic light-emitting diode 1 and the radiation exit area 174can appear transparent in the switched-off operating state and canappear non-transparent or likewise at least transparent in theswitched-on operating state, depending on the ratio of the firstintensity to the second intensity.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 can be embodied such that it isstructured for example in such a way that, in the switched-on operatingstate, the area 185 a to be illuminated is perceptible through firstregions of the radiation exit area 174 and not through second regions.In this case, the organic light-emitting diode 1 can, for example, emitelectromagnetic radiation only in partial regions or else emitelectromagnetic radiation over a large area. As a result of suchsegmented illumination and/or segmented emission of the electromagneticradiation in the direction of an external observer, it can be possiblethat, for example, different illumination patterns can be generated orindications or information can be inserted temporarily. In theswitched-off operating state, these patterns, indications and/orinformation are not visible and do not impair the appearance and theperceptibility of the area to be illuminated.

On account of the adjustable intensity ratio it is possible, therefore,that an observer perceives directly emitted light 193, for example onlyfrom the organic light-emitting diode 1. Furthermore, it is possiblethat the observer perceives principally the area 185 a to be illuminatedof the element 185 to be illuminated. This is possible when theelectromagnetic radiation 193 emitted directly toward the outside has alower intensity than the electromagnetic radiation 191 directed onto thearea 185 a to be illuminated.

Furthermore, the impression of the area 185 a to be illuminated which isperceived by the observer can also be achieved by an alteration of thewavelength of the light generated by the organic light-emitting diode 1during operation. For a particularly realistic rendering of the area 185a to be illuminated, however, it may be desirable for the organiclight-emitting diode 1 to be a organic light-emitting diode 1 whichemits white light and which is transparent. One of the organiclight-emitting diodes 1 described here can be used for this purpose.

In conjunction with FIG. 27, a further exemplary embodiment of anorganic light-emitting diode 1 described here is explained in greaterdetail on the basis of a schematic sectional illustration. In thisexemplary embodiment, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS.26a and 26b , the first carrier 130 is replaced by an encapsulationlayer sequence 160 such as is described here. The organic light-emittingdiode 1 is once again a transparent organic light-emitting diode 1,which preferably emits white light. An electrically switchable opticalelement 186 is arranged between the organic light-emitting diode 1 andthe element 185 to be illuminated. By way of example, said electricallyswitchable optical element can be an electrically switchable diffuser.Said diffuser can have two functional states: firstly it can be switchedto be diffusely scattering, that is to say opaque; secondly the diffusercan be switched to be transparent.

By way of example, the diffuser can be formed by an electrode pairhaving planar, transparent electrode layers, between which a liquidcrystal layer is arranged. By applying an external voltage, it ispossible to influence the transmission of electromagnetic radiationthrough the diffuser in a targeted manner.

If the electrically switchable optical element 186 is switched to bediffuse, as is illustrated in FIG. 27, electromagnetic radiation 192generated by the organic light-emitting diode 1 is diffusely scatteredin the electrically switchable optical element 186. To the observer,therefore, the area to be illuminated can be perceived only in a blurredfashion or is no longer perceptible at all. In this way, it is possiblefor the arrangement of organic light-emitting diode 1, electricallyswitchable optical element 186 and element 185 to be illuminated to beused in the sense of a luminaire for general lighting.

When the electrically switchable optical element 186 is switched to betransparent, the area 185 a to be illuminated is visible.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 27, it can be expedient when thearea 185 a to be illuminated and the element 185 to be illuminated arethemselves transparent. In this way, the arrangement constitutes atransparent luminaire which can be switched to be diffuse as necessary.Such luminaires can be used, for example, as changing cubicles, roomdividers or similar elements. Even in the state switched to be diffuse,electromagnetic radiation can still pass through the switchable opticalelement 186 and thus through the element 185. In this way, the organiclight-emitting diode 1 with the switchable optical element 186 and theelement 185 to be illuminated serves as a luminaire which emits on bothsides and which is visually impenetrable.

Furthermore, it is possible for the electrically switchable opticalelement 186 to be an electrochromic element which can change its colorwhen an external voltage is applied. In this way, by way of example, thelight reflected back from the area 185 a to be illuminated can bedimmed—depending on the magnitude of the applied voltage.

Overall, in the case of the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 27, it is alsopossible for the area 185 a to be illuminated to be a mirror. In thiscase, by means of the electrically switchable optical element 186, themirror can be switched from a reflective operating state to a diffuselyscattering and hence illuminating operating state.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 27, it is furthermorealso possible for the electrically switchable optical element 186 to bestructured in such a way that there are regions in which no electricallyswitchable optical element 186 is arranged between the organiclight-emitting diode 1 and the area 185 a to be illuminated. In thisway, by way of example, patterns or spatially delimited color shadingscan be produced by means of the electrically switchable optical element186.

A further exemplary embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 1 isexplained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 28. In thisexemplary embodiment, a wavelength conversion substance 187 is disposeddownstream of the organic layer sequence 133 at least in an emissiondirection. In this case, it is possible—as illustrated in FIG. 28—forthe organic light-emitting diode 1 to be a organic light-emitting diode1 which emits on both sides, wherein a wavelength conversion substance187 is disposed downstream of the organic light-emitting diode 1 in bothmain emission directions. For different main emission directions it ispossible to use different wavelength conversion substances 187.

By way of example, blue light is emitted in the radiation-emittingregion 104 of the organic light-emitting diode 1. The organiclight-emitting diode 1 which emits on both sides can then emit whitelight in one direction and colored light, for example, in the otherdirection. In this case, the desired color impression can respectivelybe set by the choice of a suitable wavelength conversion substance 187.By way of example, the following wavelength conversion substances 187are appropriate for this purpose: garnets of rare earths and of thealkaline earth metals, for example YAG:Ce³⁺, furthermore also nitrides,nitridosilicates, sions, sialons, aluminates, oxides, halophosphates,orthosilicates, sulfides, vanadates, perylenes, cumarin andchlorosilicates, or mixtures of these substances.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 28, the wavelength conversionsubstance 187 is introduced into the first carrier 130 and also thesecond carrier 131. However, the wavelength conversion substance 187 canalso be applied into a matrix material as a layer onto an outer area ofthe first carrier 130 and/or of the second carrier 131. Furthermore, itis possible for the organic light-emitting diode 1 to have no or onlyone carrier and to be encapsulated differently. On the basis of theexemplary embodiment in FIG. 28, all that is elucidated in more specificdetail is that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the organiclight-emitting diode 1 during operation can also be determined orconcomitantly determined by the use of wavelength conversion substanceswith regard to its color impression.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show, on the basis of schematic sectional illustrations,exemplary embodiments of organic light-emitting diodes which in eachcase have a retroreflector 183.

A retroreflector is a reflective optical element which, for a largerange of angles of incidence, reflects incident ambient light backsubstantially in the same direction from which it comes. To put itanother way, a part of a light beam that is incident on theretroreflector 183 and a part of said light beam that is reflected bythe retroreflector run substantially parallel. In this case, the angleof incidence is the angle between the incident part of the light beamand the normal to the surface of a main extension plane of theretroreflector 183.

In particular, the incident and reflected parts form an angle of lessthan or equal to 15°, preferably of less than or equal to 10°,particularly preferably of less than or equal to 5°. An upper limit forthe angle of incidence is, for example, greater than or equal to 45°,preferably greater than or equal to 60°, particularly preferably greaterthan or equal to 75°.

In this case, the retroreflector 183 preferably exhibits slightscattering. To put it another way, the incident part of the light beamis reflected back into a narrow, divergent beam cone. The beam cone hasa central axis that runs substantially parallel to the incident part ofthe light beam, that is to say forms therewith for example an angle ofless than or equal to 15°, preferably of less than or equal to 10°, andparticularly preferably of less than or equal to 5°. The beam cone canhave an aperture angle of 5° or less.

The retroreflection by the retroreflector 183 into a narrow, divergentbeam cone is advantageous if the light beam incident from an externallight source—such as a headlight of a vehicle—is not intended to bereflected back directly into the external light source, but rather isintended to be perceived for example by an observer in the vicinity ofthe external light source—for instance by the vehicle driver.

In the exemplary embodiment in accordance with FIG. 29, the electrodes101, 107 and also the organic layer sequence 133 are embodied as atleast radiation-transmissive, preferably transparent. In this case, thefunctional layers 180 are applied to a first carrier 130, which can beformed for example by a transparent film or with a glass. At all events,the first carrier 130 is preferably embodied in transparent fashion.Purely by way of example, the organic light-emitting diode 1 in theexemplary embodiment in FIG. 29 is encapsulated with an encapsulationlayer sequence 160 composed of first encapsulation layer 161 and secondencapsulation layer 162, as described here. Alternatively, all otherencapsulation methods and combinations of these encapsulation methods asdescribed here are also possible for forming the organic light-emittingdiode 1.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 can be, in particular, a organiclight-emitting diode 1 that is transparent, emits white light and isembodied in flexible fashion. The organic light-emitting diode 1 isapplied to the retroreflector 183 at its outer area facing away from theorganic layer sequence 133, that is to say with the first carrier 130.

In the present case, the retroreflector 183 is formed from a reflectiveplate 182, into which radiation shaping elements 182 are introduced. Byway of example, the radiation shaping elements 182 are pyramidaldepressions. In this case, the radiation shaping elements 182 canconstitute so-called triple mirrors. To put it another way, eachradiation shaping element 182 preferably has exactly three side areas.In this case, the side areas can each form an angle of approximately90°, for example an angle of between 85° and 95°, with one another,inclusive of the limits.

The radiation shaping elements 182 can be impressed into the reflectiveplate 181. Preferably, the reflective plate 181 consists of a reflectivemetal for this purpose.

In contrast to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 29, in the exemplaryembodiment in FIG. 30 the retroreflector is formed by a part of thefirst carrier 130. By way of example, the first carrier 130 is embodiedas a transparent plastic film or as a glass substrate. The radiationshaping elements 182 are situated as depressions on that side of thefirst carrier 130 which faces away from the organic layer sequence 133.The radiation shaping elements are coated from said side preferably witha reflective layer, for example a metal layer applied by vapordeposition.

Furthermore, a color filter 184 is disposed downstream of the organiclayer sequence 133, which color filter can be formed for example bycolor filter particles introduced into the first encapsulation layer161. Furthermore, it is possible for a color filter 184 as a separatecomponent to be disposed downstream of the organic layer sequence 133 orto be applied as a separate layer onto the encapsulation layer sequence160.

The color filter 184 has a high transmission for a first spectralsubrange of the visible wavelength spectrum and high absorption for asecond spectral subrange of the visible wavelength spectrum. Anintensity maximum of the electromagnetic radiation generated by theradiation-emitting region 104 during operation lies within the firstspectral subrange transmitted by the color filter 184. As an alternativeto a color filter, it is also possible for the retroreflector 183 itselfto contain a wavelength-selective mirror layer for reflecting theambient light, which layer reflects the first subrange and absorbsand/or transmits the second subrange.

Advantageously, that portion of the ambient light which is reflectedback by the retroreflector 183 to the radiation exit area 174 and iscoupled out from the organic light-emitting diode 1 produces in this waysubstantially the same color impression as the light emitted by theorganic light-emitting diode 1. Advantageously, therefore, the organiclight-emitting diode 1 brings about the same color impressionindependently of the operating state.

For embodiments in which only the color impression is of importance, theretroreflector 183 can in this case also be replaced by any other layerembodied in reflective fashion, or some other element embodied inreflective fashion, which need not have retroreflective properties.

In conjunction with FIGS. 31A and 31B, an exemplary embodiment of anorganic light-emitting diode 1 described here is explained in greaterdetail on the basis of schematic sectional illustrations, the organiclight-emitting diode comprising a touch sensor in this exemplaryembodiment. By way of example, functions of the organic light-emittingdiode 1 or of other devices can be controlled by means of the touchsensor.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 31A and 31B, the organiclight-emitting diode comprises a first carrier 130, a functional layersequence 180 arranged onto the first carrier, and also a second carrier131. In this case, the encapsulation of the organic light-emitting diodecan be effected as described here. With that side of the first carrier130 which faces away from the functional layers 180, the organiclight-emitting diode 1 is applied to an element 185 to be illuminated,said element comprising an area 185 a to be illuminated.

FIG. 31B illustrates the fact that pictorial representations ofoperating elements 197 a, 197 b, 197 c are applied to the area 185 a tobe illuminated. During the operation of the organic light-emittingdiode, said operating elements can be illuminated by electromagneticradiation generated in the radiation-emitting region 104.

A third electrode 195 is arranged at that side of the second carrier 131which faces away from the functional layers 180. The third electrode 195is succeeded by a covering plate 196. The covering plate can be, forexample, a transparent film, sheet or layer. The covering plate 196 canserve as anti-scratch protection. Furthermore, it is possible for thecovering plate 196 to increase the light coupling-out of electromagneticradiation generated in the organic light-emitting diode 1.

The third electrode 195 is electrically conductively connected to acurrent source 198, which can be operated with DC current or in a pulsedmanner. Field lines 198 a are thereby generated by the organiclight-emitting diode 1. By way of example, a finger or a pen thattouches the covering plate 196 alters the profile of the electric fieldlines 198 a. With the aid of an evaluation circuit 199, it is possibleto determine the position of the finger, for example, and in this way toeffect the assignment to the operation of one of the operating elements197 a, 197 b, 197 c.

In this case, it is also possible for some other touch sensor to be usedinstead of the above-described capacitively operating touch sensorintegrated into an organic light-emitting diode described here.

Such touch sensors are for example also described in the documents DE10332956 A1 and DE 10308514 A2, the disclosure content of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the operating elements 197 a, 197b, 197 c not to be represented by images on an area 185 a to beilluminated, but rather for the organic light-emitting diode 1 to beconstructed at least in places in the manner of a simple organic displaysuitable for representing simple images or pictograms.

Luminaires 2 are explained in greater detail below. The luminaires 2 canbe luminaires 2 for general lighting such as lamps or lights which havefurther functions—besides their use for general lighting. Thus, theluminaires 2 can form a concealing screen, noise protection, protectionagainst rain or a splash guard, solar protection or the like. In theluminaires 2 described below, in each case at least one organiclight-emitting diode 1 as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 31can be used as light source. Furthermore, combinations of the organiclight-emitting diodes 1 described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 31 canalso be used as light source.

The luminaire 2 described in conjunction with FIGS. 32A to 32G has awake-up function besides its function for general lighting. That is tosay that the luminaire 2 forms a light—for example for room lighting,and an alarm clock. By means of the wake-up function, a user of theluminaire 2 can be woken up at a time of day that can be set, by meansof the brightness of the luminaire being increased.

FIG. 32A shows an exemplary embodiment of such a luminaire 2 on thebasis of a schematic perspective illustration. In this case, theluminaire 2 is fixed in the manner of a picture on a wall 204. In thiscase, FIG. 32A shows the luminaire 2 in a switched-off operating state.

The luminaire 2 comprises, for example, an organic light-emitting diode1 as explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 26 and 27.That is to say that the organic light-emitting diode 1 of the luminaire2 can be transparent and disposed downstream in an area 185 a to beilluminated. The area 185 a to be illuminated of the organiclight-emitting diode 1 is, for example, a picture, a poster, wallpaper,tiles or the like. Furthermore, the area 185 a to be illuminated can bethe reflective surface of a mirror.

As can be seen from FIG. 32A, in the switched-off state of the luminaire2, the area 185 a to be illuminated is visible through the transparentlayers of the organic light-emitting diode 1.

FIG. 32B shows the luminaire 2 in a switched-on operating state. In thisoperating state, the area 185 a to be illuminated is no longerdiscernible. This can be achieved, for example, by utilizing an opticalcavity, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 26A and 26B. Furthermore,this can be achieved by means of an electrically switchable opticalelement 186, as described for example in conjunction with FIG. 27. Theluminaire 2 therefore has at least two operating states: in a firstoperating state, the area 185 a to be illuminated is discernible; in asecond operating state, the luminaire 2 serves only for generallighting.

An exemplary embodiment of the luminaire 2 is explained in greaterdetail with reference to the basic schematic diagram in FIG. 32C. Inthis case, the luminaire 2 comprises the organic light-emitting diode 1and also a driving device 201. An activation time for the luminaire 2can be set by means of the driving device 201. Said activation time canbe a desired wake-up time t1, for example.

It is possible in this case for the driving device 201 to regulate onlytwo operating states of the organic light-emitting diode 1. Thus, bymeans of the driving device 201, the organic light-emitting diode 1 canbe switched from the switched-off operating state into the switched-onoperating state with maximum light intensity Imax at the desired wake-uptime t1.

In another embodiment of the luminaire 2, as explained with reference tothe graphical plot in FIG. 32D, however, a slow, continuous increase inthe light intensity I up to the maximum light intensity Imax takes placeat the wake-up time t1.

In this case, it can be seen from the graphical plot in FIG. 320 thatthe light intensity generated by the organic light-emitting diode 1assumes a finite value as a result of the organic light-emitting diode 1being switched on at the wake-up time t1 and rises slowly from there.Such a rise can take place, for example, by means of a correspondinglyslow increase in the current intensity with which the organiclight-emitting diode 1 is operated. Furthermore, it is possible for thelight intensity I to be increased by means of pulse width modulation. Acombination of these two possibilities can also prove to beadvantageous.

An alternative possibility for slowly increasing the light intensity Iis described in greater detail with reference to the graphicalillustration in FIG. 32E. Here, starting from the wake-up time t1, thelight intensity I is increased in steps, the light intensity in eachcase being kept constant for certain time intervals t2.

Overall, the temporal profiles of the light intensity as described inconjunction with FIGS. 32D and 32E enable the user of the luminaire tobe woken up particularly gently. The light intensity increases from alight intensity I=0 up to a light intensity Imax over a time period of 5minutes, for example.

In this case, the light intensity Imax is preferably at least 1000 cd,particularly preferably at least 5000 cd. In the extreme case it ispossible for the light intensity Imax to be 10 000 cd.

Such high light intensities are possible in particular with thephosphorescent emitter materials described in conjunction with FIGS. 1to 6. On account of their high efficiency, these materials allowparticularly bright light to be generated. A possible temporal delay ofthe radiation emission by said phosphorescent emitter materials is notof importance in the case of the luminaire 2 in accordance with theexemplary embodiments in FIGS. 32D and 32E, since the light intensity Iis intended to be increased relatively slowly.

By way of example, the luminaire 2 can comprise an organiclight-emitting diode 1 as described in conjunction with FIG. 3. Theorganic light-emitting diode 1 then preferably emits white light.

An exemplary embodiment of a luminaire which can be controlled and/orregulated in different ways by the user is described in conjunction withFIG. 32F. Firstly, the luminaire 2 can comprise operating elements 197for example in the region of a corner of the luminaire. The operatingelements 197 can be operated by the user by means of a touch sensor, forexample, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 31A and 31B. That is tosay that the luminaire 2 comprises, for example, an organiclight-emitting diode 1 with a capacitively operating touch sensor.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the luminaire 2 to beoperated by means of a remote control 202.

By means of the operating elements 197, the operating state of theluminaire can be set, for example. Thus, the desired wake-up time can bepredetermined by means of the operating elements 197 and/or the remotecontrol 202. Furthermore, the operating state of the luminaire can beselected by means of the operating elements 197 and/or the remotecontrol 202. By way of example, the luminaire 2 can thereby be switchedfrom the switched-off operating state, in which the area 185 a to beilluminated is visible, to a luminous operating state, in which theluminaire 2 serves for room lighting.

A further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here isexplained in greater detail in conjunction with the schematicillustration in FIG. 32G. In this exemplary embodiment, the organiclight-emitting diode 1 of the luminaire 2 is subdivided into amultiplicity of segments 203. The segments 203 are individually drivablefunctional layers 180, which can differ from one another, for example byvirtue of different emitter materials. Furthermore, the segments can beindividual organic light-emitting diodes 1. Such a luminaire 2 makes itpossible to realize, alongside or as an alternative to a temporalprofile of the light intensity I, also a temporal profile of the colorlocus and/or of the color temperature T.

By way of example, firstly warm-white, reddish light having a colortemperature T of approximately 4000 K can be generated at the wake-uptime t1, wherein, for example, segments 203 that generate a reddishwhite light are principally operated.

In the temporal profile, it is then possible for the color temperatureto rise up to a maximum color temperature Tmax of approximately 25 000K. At this color temperature, cold, bluish, white light is generated bythe organic light-emitting diode 1 of the luminaire 2.

In this way, therefore, the luminaire 2 is designed to generate whitelight having color temperatures T of at least 4000 K to at most 25 000K, wherein the light intensity I can simultaneously rise from 0 cd to 10000 cd. In the temporal profile, therefore, a sunrise in time lapse issimulated by the luminaire 2. In this way, the luminaire 2 enables theuser of the luminaire to be woken up particularly naturally and gently.

In FIGS. 32H and 32I, two possibilities for temporally varying the colortemperature T are illustrated graphically on the basis of graphicalplots. In this case, the color temperature T can be increased from T0approximately 4000 K to Tmax approximately 25 000 K continuously (seeFIG. 32H) or in steps (see FIG. 32I). The increase in the lightintensity I as described in conjunction with FIGS. 32D and 32E cansimultaneously be effected.

Overall, exemplary embodiments of a luminaire which also comprises awake-up function besides its function for general lighting are describedin conjunction with FIGS. 32A to 32E. The organic light-emitting diode 1of the luminaire 2 can be embodied in transparent and flexible fashion.The luminaire can be suitable for generating white light havingdifferent color temperatures and can be provided for generating lighthaving different color temperatures and light intensities. Behind theorganic light-emitting diode 1 of the luminaire 2, an area 185 a to beilluminated can be arranged, which can be exchanged by the user. In thisway, the luminaire 2 can be combined with any desired posters, walltiles, pictures, mirrors or the like, which allows particularly diverseuse of the luminaire. In this case, the luminaire 2 contains at leastone organic light-emitting diode 1 as described in greater detail inconjunction with FIGS. 1 to 31, or an organic light-emitting diode 1that constitutes a combination of the organic light-emitting diodes 1described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 31.

A further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 described here isexplained in greater detail in conjunction with the schematicillustrations in FIGS. 33A to 33D.

FIG. 33A shows, on the basis of a schematic perspective illustration, afurther exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 described here. In thiscase, the luminaire 2 forms large-area room lighting that can beutilized as part of a shower cubicle 215. That is to say that theluminaire 2 performs a double function: firstly it serves as a light forgeneral lighting, and secondly it constitutes a splash guard.

In this case, the luminaire 2 is emissive on both sides, such thatelectromagnetic radiation 190 from the luminaire 2 can be directed intothe interior of the shower cubicle 215. Furthermore, electromagneticradiation 191 is emitted in opposite directions from the shower cubicleinto the room to be illuminated.

An exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 which can be utilized aspart—for example as a boundary wall—of a shower cubicle 215 is explainedin greater detail in conjunction with the schematic sectionalillustration in FIG. 33B. The luminaire 2 comprises at least one organiclight-emitting diode 1 as explained in greater detail in conjunctionwith or in the combination of FIGS. 1 to 32.

In this case, the organic light-emitting diode 1 comprises a firstcarrier 130 and also a second carrier 131, which are arranged parallelor substantially parallel to one another. First carrier 130 and secondcarrier 131 are preferably each formed from a radiation-transmissivematerial. In this case, first carrier 130 and second carrier 131 are notnecessarily transparent; it is sufficient if one of the carriers, orboth carriers, is or are embodied as diffusely radiation-transmissive,for example. In this case, the functional layers 180 of the organiclight-emitting diode need not necessarily be embodied in transparentfashion; it is sufficient if the functional layers 180 are emissive onboth sides.

A first and/or second carrier 130, 131 embodied in diffuse fashion hasthe advantage in this case that the luminaire 2 also functions as aconcealing screen of the shower cubicle besides its properties forlighting and for a splash guard. First carrier 130 and second carrier131 can, for example, be formed with an opalescent glass or consist ofan opalescent glass. Furthermore, it is possible for at least one of thetwo carriers to have a surface structuring or a patterning which—inaddition to light scattering—can also serve for the artistic decorationof the outer area of the luminaire 2 and/or for beam directing of theelectromagnetic radiation 190, 191.

First carrier 130 and second carrier 131 can be embodied as planarplates. Furthermore, it is possible for the carriers—as illustrated inFIGS. 33A and 33B—to be bent in the manner of a cylinder lateral surfacesegment and for the luminaire 2 thus to have curved radiation exit areas174.

The functional layers 180 of the organic light-emitting diode 1 can beencapsulated, in the cavity formed by the first carrier 130 and thesecond carrier 131, by means of the carriers 130, 131 and a connectingmeans 140 arranged marginally. Furthermore, other techniques forencapsulating and sealing the functional layers 180, as described forexample in conjunction with FIGS. 7 to 20, are also possible.Furthermore, combinations of said sealing and encapsulation techniquesare also possible.

In this case, the use of an organic light-emitting diode in a bathroommakes stringent requirements of the hermetic sealing of the organiclight-emitting diode 1. The organic light-emitting diode 1 has towithstand a room climate having high air humidity and relatively hightemperatures for long times.

FIG. 33C, for example, shows a schematic sectional illustration of anexemplary embodiment of the luminaire 2 in which such a good hermeticsealing can be achieved particularly efficiently. In this case, thesealing by means of the first carrier 130 and the second carrier 131 andalso the connecting means 140 is combined with an encapsulation of thefunctional layers 180 by an encapsulation layer sequence 160. That is tosay that the organic light-emitting diode 1 has a double encapsulationin this case: first, it is protected by the carriers 130, 131 and theconnecting means 140, and secondly by the particularly impermeableencapsulation layer sequence 160. This enables particularly efficientencapsulation of the luminaire and therefore use in a bathroom inconjunction with long lifetimes of the luminaire 2.

The connecting means 140 can be, for example, a glass solder or a glassfrit material, which is led in a frame-like manner around the functionallayers 180 and also the encapsulation layer sequence 160.

Furthermore, one of the further encapsulation techniques described inconjunction with FIGS. 7 to 20, such as, for example, a diffusionbarrier or a thin-film encapsulation, can be used for encapsulationpurposes.

In conjunction with FIG. 33D, a further exemplary embodiment of theluminaire 2, in which the organic light-emitting diode 1 is wellprotected at least against splash water from the shower, is explained onthe basis of a schematic sectional illustration. In this exemplaryembodiment, the organic light-emitting diode 1 is applied to the outerarea of a radiation-transmissive plate 205 that faces away from theshower.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 can then be, for example, a flexiblyembodied organic light-emitting diode 1 which emits on both sides. Sucha organic light-emitting diode 1 can have a flexible film as carrier.Furthermore, it is possible for the organic light-emitting diode 1 to beapplied to the outer area of the radiation-transmissive plate 205 in thesense of a transfer.

Overall, applying the organic light-emitting diode 1 to an outer area ofthe radiation-transmissive plate 205 enables the organic light-emittingdiode 1 to be rapidly removed and thus rapidly exchanged. Therefore, thedemands with regard to encapsulation that have to be placed on such alight-emitting diode 1 are not as stringent as in the case of luminairesin accordance with FIGS. 33B and 33C, for example. That is to say thatin the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 33D, the lifetime of the organiclight-emitting diode 1 does not limit the lifetime of the showercubicle, rather the organic light-emitting diode 1 can be replaced by anew organic light-emitting diode 1 after it has been damaged.

In the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 33B to 33D, the organiclight-emitting diode 1 of the luminaire 2 is illustrated as a large-areaorganic light-emitting diode 1. However, the organic light-emittingdiode 1 can also be divided into a multiplicity of segments 203, whichcan be suitable, for example, for generating electromagnetic radiationhaving differing wavelengths. Furthermore, it is possible for theluminaire 2 to comprise a multiplicity of organic light-emitting diodes1 which, for example, can each have a common first carrier 130. In orderto form the organic layer sequence 133 and also the electrodes 101 and107 of the organic light-emitting diode 1, it is possible to use, forexample, the materials described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 6 andthe layer constructions described in conjunction with said figures.Overall, therefore, the organic light-emitting diode 1 can be—dependingon the embodiment—a organic light-emitting diode 1 that is transparent,emits on both sides, emits white light, and/or is flexible.

A further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 described here isexplained in greater detail in conjunction with the schematicillustrations in FIGS. 34A to 34C. In this exemplary embodiment, too,the luminaire 2 constitutes large-area room lighting and also part, forexample the wall, of a shower cubicle 215.

To supplement, for example, the exemplary embodiment described inconjunction with FIG. 33C, the luminaire 2 has, in addition to the atleast one organic light-emitting diode 1, at least one second lightsource, which is embodied as a light-emitting diode 210 in the presentcase (in this respect, cf. FIG. 34B, for example). The light-emittingdiodes 210 are arranged for example at the top area and/or the bottomarea of the second carrier 131. However, they can also be applied on thetop and/or bottom area of a radiation-transmissive plate 205, asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 33D. Generally, at least oneinorganic light-emitting diode 210 can be arranged at a side area of aradiation-transmissive carrier or a radiation-transmissive plate,wherein the carrier or the plate can serve as a large-area opticalwaveguide for electromagnetic radiation generated by the light-emittingdiode.

As explained in conjunction with the schematic sectional illustration inFIG. 34C, the second carrier 131 forms for example an optical waveguidefor electromagnetic radiation 192 generated by the light-emitting diodes210. In this case, a reflective layer or coating 211, which istransmissive to electromagnetic radiation 190 generated in the organiclayer sequence 133, is preferably applied to the inner side of thesecond carrier 131 facing the organic layer sequence 133. By contrast,the reflective layer 211 is embodied such that it is reflective forelectromagnetic radiation 192 generated by the light-emitting diodes210. In this case, the reflective layer 211 and/or the second carrier131 can have structurings that allow the electromagnetic radiation 192to be distributed as uniformly as possible over the entire area of thesecond carrier 131. The second carrier 131 therefore serves as a planaroptical waveguide that permits the electromagnetic radiation generatedby the inorganic light-emitting diodes 210 to be emitted homogeneouslyinto the interior of the shower.

The light-emitting diodes 210 are preferably inorganic light-emittingdiodes suitable for generating UV radiation, infrared radiation and/orvisible light. In this case, it is possible for the luminaire tocomprise light-emitting diodes 210 for generating infrared radiation andalso UV radiation and/or visible light.

The luminaire 2 can comprise, for example, an operating mode in whichinfrared radiation 192 is generated by the light-emitting diodes 210.Said infrared radiation is conducted by the second carrier 131 and thereflective layer 211 into the interior of the shower cubicle, where itis used firstly for warming a user; secondly, the radiation can be usedfor faster drying of the shower cubicle after the shower cubicle hasbeen used.

In a further operating state, only the light-emitting diodes 210 of theluminaire 2 which emit UV light are activated. In this operating state,the emitted radiation 192 is used for tanning a user and/or fordisinfecting the shower after the end of the use thereof.

In a third operating state, light-emitting diodes 210 that emit infraredlight and UV light can be operated simultaneously, as a result of whichcombinations of the functions mentioned are possible. Furthermore, it isalso possible for the luminaire 2 to comprise organic light-emittingdiodes 1 that are suitable for generating infrared radiation. Suitableemitter materials are described for example in conjunction with FIGS. 1to 6.

Furthermore, it is possible for the luminaire to generate, at leastduring the operation of the shower, white light with which, depending onthe water temperature, red light components (for hot water) or bluelight components (for cold water) are admixed for example by means ofcorresponding inorganic light-emitting diodes 210 or organiclight-emitting diodes 1.

Finally, exemplary embodiments are possible in which, during theoperation of the luminaire 2, color profiles of the emitted light aregenerated or a desired color temperature can be set. This can berealized for example by means of corresponding organic light-emittingdiodes 1 and/or inorganic light-emitting diodes 210.

Overall, the luminaire 2 described in conjunction with FIGS. 33 and 34realizes particularly variable, large-area room lighting thatsimultaneously serves as a splash guard in a shower. In this case, thelight color, the light temperature and also the light intensity can beadjustable according to the user's wishes. Furthermore, the luminaire 2can serve as an indicator device for the water temperature, as a resultof which, by way of example, it is possible to prevent use of the showerat excessively cold or excessively hot water temperatures.

Furthermore, it is possible for the light functions such as color, colortemperature and/or color intensity to be changed temporally, asexplained in greater detail for example in conjunction with theluminaire in accordance with FIGS. 32A to 32I.

In conjunction with FIG. 35 an explanation is given, with reference to abasic schematic diagram, of the fact that the luminaire 2 can beoperated by means of operating elements 197 that are addressed by meansof a touch sensor. For this purpose, it is possible to use a touchsensor as explained in greater detail for example in conjunction withFIGS. 31A and 31B. In this case, the operating element can be accessibleboth from the inner side of the shower and from the outer side of theshower.

Furthermore, it is possible for not only the light function of theluminaire 2 but, for example, also the mixing faucet of the shower andhence the water temperature and the water strength to be regulated bymeans of the operating element 197.

On the other hand, it is also possible, however, for, for example, thecolor of the emitted light of the luminaire 2 to be regulated by meansof the mixing faucet during the operation of the shower. That is to saythat, by way of example, the color of the light emitted by the luminaire2 can be adapted by means of the setting of the water temperature.

A further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 described here isexplained here in greater detail in conjunction with the perspectivelyschematic illustration in FIG. 36. In this exemplary embodiment, theluminaire 2 is accorded a double function:

Firstly, the luminaire 2 serves for general lighting. By way of example,it can constitute the main light in a bathroom.

Secondly, the luminaire 2 comprises a shower head for a shower.

That is to say that firstly the luminaire 2 emits electromagneticradiation 190, 191, and secondly the luminaire 2 distributes water viathe shower head 220. In this case, the luminaire 2 can be suitable foremitting electromagnetic radiation 190, 191 having differentelectromagnetic wavelengths simultaneously or successively. For thispurpose, the luminaire 2 can comprise, for example, a plurality oforganic light-emitting diodes 1 suitable for generating electromagneticradiation having mutually different wavelengths. The luminaire 2 canthen emit light of different colors for example simultaneously orsequentially. Furthermore, the luminaire can be suitable for emittingwhite light. For this purpose, the luminaire can comprise one or aplurality of organic light-emitting diodes 1 which each emit white lightduring operation. Furthermore, it is possible for the luminaire 2 onlyto emit light of a single color. For this purpose, the luminaire cancomprise one or a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes 1 whicheach emit colored light, for example green or red light, duringoperation.

An exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 comprising a shower head 220 isdescribed in greater detail in conjunction with the schematic plan viewin FIG. 37A and also the schematic sectional illustration in FIG. 37B.

The luminaire 2 comprises the shower head 220. The shower head 220 canbe embodied for example as circular, square or in some other shape inthe plan view. The shower head 220 can be, on the one hand, the showerhead of a handheld shower unit, said shower head having a diameter D ofat least 5 cm and at most 20 cm. Furthermore, it is possible for theshower head 220 to be a large-area shower head having, for example, adiameter D of at least 50 cm, preferably at least 80 cm, particularlypreferably at least 100 cm. Such a shower head 220 is then preferablyfitted directly to the ceiling of a bathroom, for example. Water 222from such a shower head 220 falls like rain from a relatively largeheight and in a manner distributed over a relatively large area onto theuser of the luminaire 2.

In this exemplary embodiment, the shower head 220 comprises at least oneorganic light-emitting diode 1 suitable, for example, for emitting whitelight 190. For this purpose, the organic light-emitting diode 1 can havea layer construction as described in greater detail in conjunction withFIGS. 1 to 6. Furthermore, the organic light-emitting diode has anencapsulation as explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 7to 20. Combinations of the layer sequences described in the figures andof the encapsulations described in the figures are also possible.

By way of example, the organic light-emitting diode 1 has a double ortriple seal. Thus, the organic light-emitting diode 1 can be sealed bymeans of a first carrier 130, a second carrier 131 and also a connectingmeans 140. Furthermore, the organic light-emitting diode 1 can comprisean encapsulation layer sequence 160. Overall, a particularly goodencapsulation is preferably chosen for the organic light-emitting diode1 since the organic light-emitting diode 1 is in direct contact withwater 222 at least in places. That is to say that, for example, at leastone of the carriers 130, 131 is wetted with water 222 during theoperation of the shower head 220 of the luminaire 2.

The luminaire 2 comprises the shower head 220, which has a passageopening 224, by which said shower head is connected to the water supply.Water 222 passes into the shower head 220 via the passage opening 224.The water 222 flows around the organic light-emitting diode 1 at theouter areas thereof and in this way passes to the cover plate 223 of theshower head. The cover plate 223 has openings 221 through which thewater 220 can pass from the shower head.

In this exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 223 is in this caseembodied as radiation-transmissive, for example transparent.Electromagnetic radiation 190 from the organic light-emitting diode 1can leave the cover plate both through the openings 221 and through theother, non-water-pervious regions of the cover plate 223.

Overall, the organic light-emitting diode 1 is integrated into theshower head 220 in the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 37A and 37B.

In conjunction with FIG. 38, a further exemplary embodiment of aluminaire 2 with shower head 220 as described here is explained ingreater detail with reference to a schematic sectional illustration. Inthis exemplary embodiment, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment inFIGS. 37A and 37B, the organic light-emitting diode 1 is divided intosegments 203. In this case, light having mutually different colors isemitted in the segments 203 during the operation of the organiclight-emitting diode 1.

The segments 203 are jointly encapsulated for example by a commoncarrier pair 130, 131 and a connecting means 140 arranged marginally andin frame-like fashion. The segments 203 can furthermore be sealedjointly, or each segment can be sealed by itself, by means of anencapsulation layer sequence 160. The segments 203 can be individuallydrivable, such that light of different colors can be generatedsimultaneously or sequentially. Alongside the described segmentation ofthe organic light-emitting diode 1, however, it is also possible for theluminaire 2 to comprise a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes 1suitable for generating light of mutually different colors.

As a further, optional difference with respect to the exemplaryembodiment explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 37A and37B, the cover plate 223 of the shower head 220 can in this case beembodied as non-radiation-transmissive. That is to say thatelectromagnetic radiation 190, 191 can then leave the shower head 220only together with the water 222 through the openings 221. In this case,the water jets 222 that leave the shower head 220 can serve as a kind ofoptical waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation 190, 191 generatedin the segments 203 of the organic light-emitting diode 1.

That is to say that, during operation, the shower head 220 can emitdifferently colored water jets 220 at different locations. Thenon-radiation-transmissive embodiment of the cover plate 223 can resultin a particularly good separation of the different light colors. By wayof example, with the shower head 220 it is possible in this way toproduce a shower of water which is similar in appearance to a rainbowwhen viewed from a distance.

In conjunction with FIG. 39A, a further exemplary embodiment of aluminaire 2 described here is explained in greater detail with referenceto a schematic sectional illustration. FIG. 39B shows a schematic planview of the luminaire 2 from that side of the shower head 220 whichfaces away from the openings 221.

In this exemplary embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode 1 isprovided with the passage opening 224, which is arranged for example ata central location through the organic light-emitting diode 1. That isto say that the organic light-emitting diode has a hole through whichwater is flushed during the operation of the shower head 220 of theluminaire 2.

At the edges 224 a of the passage opening 224, the organiclight-emitting diode 1 can be sealed for example by means of a glasssolder or a glass frit as connecting means 140. Furthermore, theconnecting means 140 can be provided with an encapsulation layersequence 160, which additionally seals the connecting means. Such aconstruction is explained in greater detail by way of example inconjunction with FIGS. 14B and 18.

The functional layers 180 of the organic light-emitting diode 1 canadditionally once again be sealed by an encapsulation layer sequence160, a diffusion barrier 153, a thin-film encapsulation 154, a resistlayer 150 or further measures.

Water 222 passes through the passage opening 224 into a gap arrangedbetween the cover plate 223 of the shower head 220 and the organiclight-emitting diode 1. The cover plate 223 once again comprisesopenings 221 through which the water 220 can pass. In this case, thecover plate 223 can be embodied as radiation-transmissive, thentransparent for example, or non-radiation-transmissive. The organiclight-emitting diode 1 can emit white light, colored light or light ofdifferent colors—as explained for example in conjunction with FIG. 38.

In comparison with the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 37 and 38, in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 39, only the underside—facing the coverplate 223—of the organic light-emitting diode 1 and also the side areasof the organic light-emitting diode 1 in the region of the edge 224 ofthe passage opening are directly exposed to the water 222. On the otherhand, in order to encapsulate the organic light-emitting diode 1,special carriers 130, 131 having a passage opening 224 have to beprovided. This can make it more expensive to produce the luminaire 2 asexplained in conjunction with FIGS. 39A and 39B.

In conjunction with FIGS. 40A and 40B, the driving of the luminaire 2 isexplained in greater detail with reference to schematic illustrations.

FIG. 40A schematically shows a mixing faucet which can be used to setthe water temperature TW by means of a rotary movement of the faucet 22a. In this case, it is possible for the color, that is to say the colorlocus O and/or the color temperature T, of the light emitted by theorganic light-emitting diode 1 simultaneously to be set by way of thewater temperature TW. Furthermore, it is possible for the setting of thecolor locus O and/or of the color temperature T to be effected by meansof a translational movement of the mixing faucet. Overall, the mixingfaucet 225 described in conjunction with FIG. 40A is therefore used inexemplary embodiments of the luminaire 2 in which the color locus andthe color temperature of the light generated by the organiclight-emitting diode 1 can also be set by means of the mixing faucet ofthe shower.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the shower head 1 to be driven bymeans of touch-sensitive operating elements 197 as explained in greaterdetail for example in conjunction with FIG. 35. Said operating elementscan be integrated as touch-sensitive organic light-emitting diodes, forexample, into a wall tile, a tile or into a shower cubicle. Inparticular, the luminaire 2 with shower head 220 can also be combinedwith the luminaire 2 embodied as part of a shower cubicle 215. That isto say that the exemplary embodiments described in conjunction withFIGS. 33 to 35 can be combined with a luminaire 2 in accordance with theexemplary embodiments in FIGS. 36 to 40 in one and the same shower.

FIG. 40B shows, on the basis of a schematic illustration, a furtherpossibility for driving the luminaire 2 as explained in greater detailin conjunction with FIGS. 36 to 39. By way of example in a mannersupplementing a mixing faucet 225, for driving purposes it is possibleto use the regulating device 226, by means of which a specific showerprogram can be preset. By way of example, a temporal profile of thewater temperature and also of the light emitted by the luminaire 2 canbe preset by means of the shower program.

In this case, a luminaire 2 with shower head 220 and at the same time aluminaire 2 with a shower cubicle 215 can be driven. In this case, watertemperature, pressure of the water jet, color temperature and/or colorlocus can be changed in a manner coordinated with one another by theregulating device 226 in temporal succession. By way of example, in thiscase a simulated sunrise as described in conjunction with FIGS. 32H and32I, can be simulated by the luminaire 2, wherein at the same time forexample the water temperature is increased or decreased continuously orin steps.

A further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 described here isexplained in greater detail in conjunction with the schematicillustrations in FIGS. 41A to 41D. In this exemplary embodiment, theluminaire comprises the functions of a mirror, a light for generallighting and also a display device for simple graphical elements.

In this case, FIG. 41A shows a first operating state of the luminaire 2.In this operating state, the luminaire 2 is not activelyradiation-generating. The luminaire 2 appears like a normal mirror thatreflects back electromagnetic radiation 191 impinging on it. Such aluminaire 2 can be used for example as a bathroom mirror or wardrobemirror.

A second operating state of the luminaire 2 is illustrated graphicallyin conjunction with FIG. 41B. In this operating state, the luminaire 2serves as a light for general lighting. In this operating state, theluminaire 2 principally emits electromagnetic radiation 190 that isgenerated for example by an organic light-emitting diode 1 of theluminaire 2 during the operation of the luminaire. The luminaire 2 doesnot serve as a mirror in this operating state. That is to say thatelectromagnetic radiation 191 impinging on the luminaire 2 externally isin this case outshone by the generated electromagnetic radiation 190.

A third operating state of the luminaire 2 is illustrated schematicallyin conjunction with FIG. 41C. In this operating state, patterns 230 arerepresented by the luminaire 2. Furthermore, the luminaire 2 can reflectimpinging electromagnetic radiation 191 and/or actively emitelectromagnetic radiation 190. The fact of whether the luminaire 2 hasrecognizable reflective properties, that is to say whetherelectromagnetic radiation 191 that impinges on the luminaire 2 isreflected by the latter in a manner perceptible to the user, isdependent on the light intensity with which electromagnetic radiation190 is actively generated by the luminaire 2. The light intensity of theelectromagnetic radiation 190 that is actively generated by theluminaire 2 can be set for example by means of the current intensitywith which the luminaire 2 is energized.

In conjunction with FIG. 41D, an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2which has the operating states described in conjunction with FIGS. 41Ato 41C is explained in greater detail with reference to a schematicsectional illustration. In this case, the construction of the luminaire2 is similar to the construction of the organic light-emitting diode 1explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 27.

In this case, the luminaire 2 comprises a transparent organiclight-emitting diode 1. The transparent organic light-emitting diode 1can comprise functional layers 180 arranged between a first carrier 130and a second carrier 131. Preferably, the organic light-emitting diode 1comprises a radiation-emitting region 104 suitable for generating whitelight. The organic light-emitting diode 1 emits electromagneticradiation 190 from its two main areas.

Any exemplary embodiment and also any combination of exemplaryembodiments described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 6 can be used forforming the organic layer sequence 133. Preferably, embodiments asdescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 7 to 20 or combinations of saidembodiments are used for encapsulating and hermetically sealing theorganic light-emitting diode 1. All that is important in the exemplaryembodiment of the luminaire 2 in FIG. 41D is that the organiclight-emitting diode 1 is embodied in transparent fashion.

The luminaire 2 furthermore comprises an area 185 a to be illuminated ofan element 185 to be illuminated. The element 185 to be illuminated is amirror, and the area 185 a to be illuminated constitutes the reflectivesurface of the mirror.

An electrically switchable optical element 186 is arranged in astructured manner between the organic light-emitting diode 1, that is tosay between the first carrier 130 and the illuminating surface 185 a. Inthe present case, the electrically switchable optical element 186 formsthe pattern 230 to be represented. However, it is also possible for theelectrically switchable optical element 186 to be a negative image ofthe pattern 230 to be represented. A transparent material 188 formedfrom a transparent plastic or glass, for example, is arranged atlocations where no electrically switchable optical element 186 issituated between element 185 to be illuminated and first carrier 130.That is to say that the space between the organic light-emitting diode 1and the area 185 a to be illuminated is filled with the transparentmaterial 188 and the electrically switchable optical element 186.

The electrically switchable optical element 186, then, has two operatingstates, for example: in a first operating state, the electricallyswitchable optical element 186 is transparent. In this operating state,the luminaire 2 can, as shown in FIG. 41A, be operated as a mirror or,as illustrated in FIG. 41B, be operated as a light, no pattern 230 beingdiscernible.

On the other hand, the electrically switchable optical element 186 hasat least one second operating state in which, for electromagneticradiation 190 generated by the luminaire, said electrically switchableoptical element is either absorbent, attenuating or acts as a colorfilter. In this way, in this operating state, a pattern 230 can begenerated by illumination of the structured, electrically switchableoptical element 186.

Depending on the embodiment of the electrically switchable opticalelement 186, the pattern can appear dark—for example black—or colored.The electrically switchable optical element 186 is an electrochromicelement, for example, such as is also used in electrically tintableglass panes.

As already described in conjunction with FIGS. 26 and 27, the proportionof the electromagnetic radiation 190 which passes directly from theluminaire toward the outside without in the process previously reachingthe area 185 a to be illuminated can be set by means of an opticalcavity. In this way, the manufacturer of the luminaire 2 can preset thecontrast with which the pattern 230 is intended to appear in the thirdoperating state.

In conjunction with FIGS. 42A to 42C, an explanation is given, on thebasis of schematic illustrations, of the fact that the luminaire 2 canbe operated with a touch-sensitive operating element 197. By way ofexample, by means of translational movements of the hand on a region ofthe second carrier 131 of the organic light-emitting diode 1, it ispossible to change the operating state or to increase or decrease thebrightness of the emitted light (see FIGS. 42A and 42C).

By means of tapping, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 42B, on theoperating element 197, it is possible, for example, for the luminousfunction to be switched off and on, that is to say for switching betweenthe first and second operating states to be effected. Overall, atouch-sensitive organic light-emitting diode 1 as explained in greaterdetail in conjunction with FIG. 31 can again be used for forming theoperating element 197.

As an alternative to a touch-sensitive control of the luminaire 2,however, it is also possible for gesture control of the luminaire 2 tobe effected. In this case, the user of the luminaire 2 does not have totouch the radiation exit area 174 of the luminaire. Rather, a camera isfixed to or in the vicinity of the luminaire 2. By means of anevaluation circuit, a specific command—for example a change of operatingstate—can be calculated from images recorded by the camera. Thisconstruction—which is more complicated in comparison with touchcontrol—affords the advantage that the radiation exit area 174 is notsmeared, for example by fingerprints of the user.

A further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here isexplained in greater detail in conjunction with the schematicillustrations in FIGS. 43 and 44. In this exemplary embodiment, theluminaire 2 is part of a tile 235.

As illustrated schematically in conjunction with FIG. 43, the luminaire2 can be used both as a wall tile and as a floor tile.

An exemplary embodiment of such a luminaire is schematically explainedin greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 44A and 44B. The luminairecomprises an organic light-emitting diode 1, which is preferablyembodied in non-slip fashion. For this purpose, the first carrier 130and the second carrier 131 of the organic light-emitting diode 1 can beformed from a shatter-resistant glass. Spacers 238 are arranged atregular distance between the carriers 130, 131, which spacers can, forexample, likewise be formed from a glass material. Thus, the spacers 238can be, for example, posts or dams which are formed with a glass solderor a glass frit material. In this case, the spacers 238 prevent thesecond carrier 131 from being pressed onto the functional layers 180 ofthe organic light-emitting diode 1.

The organic light-emitting diode 1 is preferably embodied as atransparent organic light-emitting diode. The organic light-emittingdiode can be provided, for example, as described in conjunction withFIGS. 26 and 27, for illuminating the tile 235. In this case, theconnection conductors 236 for making electrical contact with the organiclight-emitting diode 1 are arranged at the edge side of the organiclight-emitting diode 1, where joints of the tiles 235 extend. In thisway, the connection conductors 236 do not disturb the visual impressionof the tiles.

As is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 44A and 44B, adjacentluminaires 2 can be electrically connected to one another via electricalconnectors 237 and in this way be connected in series or in parallelwith one another, for example. However, it is also possible for each ofthe luminaires 2 to be individually drivable. Electrical connectingconductors for driving the luminaires 2 extend below the tiles 235, forexample.

Besides or in addition to the generation of white light or coloredlight, the organic light-emitting diode 1 of the luminaire 2 can also bedesigned for generating infrared radiation. By way of example, anorganic light-emitting diode 1 as explained in greater detail inconjunction with FIGS. 1 to 6 can be used for this purpose. A luminaire2 comprising such an organic light-emitting diode 1 generates heatduring the operation of the organic light-emitting diode 1, and can thusbe used as an alternative to a wall or floor heating system.

In a simple embodiment of the luminaire 2 described in conjunction withFIGS. 43 and 44, the organic light-emitting diode 1 can be a transparentorganic light-emitting diode 1 that is adhesively bonded in a simplemanner onto a wall, ceiling or floor tile that has already been laid.Such an organic light-emitting diode 1 can be embodied in flexiblefashion, for example, and can be fixable on a tile 235 in the manner ofa transfer. By way of example, the functional layers are sealed with anencapsulation layer sequence 160 as described further above. The organiclight-emitting diode 1 can then be adhesively bonded onto the tile 235in particular at the outer area of the encapsulation layer sequence 160.In this way, the luminaire can be used in a simple and cost-effectivemanner for tiles that have already been laid.

Besides energization of the luminaire 2 via connection conductors 236,inductive or capacitive driving of the luminaire 2 is also conceivable,for example. In this case, the connection conductors 236 can bedispensed with; the energization can be effected by means of atransmitter of electromagnetic radiation, for example. What candisadvantageously arise in this case is that the luminous intensity ofthe luminaire 2 is reduced by comparison with a luminaire 2 energized bymeans of electrical connection conductors 236.

FIG. 45A shows an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here onthe basis of a schematic perspective illustration. The luminaire 2 is alarge-area, segmented luminaire 2.

The luminaire 2 is fixed to the ceiling of a room in the manner of aceiling light by means of holding devices 239. The holding devices 239are, for example, power cables, metal wires or rods containing anelectrically conductive material. The holding devices 239 are used toeffect—besides mechanical fixing of the luminaire 2—also electricalcontact-connection and thus energization of the luminaire 2.

As is evident in particular from the schematic illustration in FIG. 45B,the luminaire 2 comprises a multiplicity of organic light-emittingdiodes 1. That is to say that the luminaire 2 is segmented into amultiplicity of organic light-emitting diodes 1. The organiclight-emitting diodes 1 can be embodied in flexible or rigid fashion,for example.

Different organic light-emitting diodes 1 of the luminaire 2 can beprovided for generating light of different colors. In this way, theluminaire 2 is suitable for emitting light of different colors and/ordifferent color temperatures during operation. The light emitted by theluminaire 2 can thus be flexibly adapted to the requirements of its use.By way of example, the luminaire 2 can generate light similar todaylight, which is particularly well suited to work. Furthermore, it ispossible for reddish light to be generated by means of the sameluminaire 2 at another time, said reddish light being particularly wellsuited as evening lighting, for example.

The organic light-emitting diodes 1 are preferably embodied as describedin conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 31, or constitute combinations of theorganic light-emitting diodes 1 described there.

Besides the organic light-emitting diodes 1, the luminaire 2 comprisesconnection conductors 236. The connection conductors 236 extend, forexample, in the manner of a wire-netting fence, such that theydelimit—for example rectangular—sections, in each of which an organiclight-emitting diode 1 can be arranged. The connection conductors 236serve for making electrical contact with the organic light-emittingdiodes 1 and also for mechanically connecting the individual organiclight-emitting diodes 1. In this way, the organic light-emitting diodes1 can be arranged in a combined series and parallel circuit.

Furthermore, it is possible for each of the organic light-emittingdiodes 1, or groups of the organic light-emitting diodes 1 which areprovided for generating the same light color, to be drivable separatelyby means of the connection conductors 236. In this case, the connectionconductors 236 are embodied for example as cable assemblies having amultiplicity of individual power lines.

Besides their property for energizing the organic light-emitting diodes1, the connection conductors 236 form a framework or a matrix formechanically fixing the organic light-emitting diodes 1. For thispurpose, the connection conductors 236 preferably have a certainrigidity corresponding, for example, to the rigidity of a copper wire.The organic light-emitting diodes 1 themselves can be embodied inflexible fashion, and do not have to serve for mechanically stabilizingthe luminaire 2. If the connection conductors 236 are embodied as metalwires, then it is furthermore possible that a desired form of theluminaire 2, for example the wavy form illustrated in FIG. 45A, can beset in a simple manner by the user or by the manufacturer of theluminaire 2 by means of flexure of the connection conductors 236.

The luminaire 2 described in conjunction with FIGS. 45 and 46 ispreferably a relatively large-area luminaire. That is to say that theluminaire 2 can have sizes in the range of a plurality of square meters.By way of example the luminaire 2 has a luminous area of at least 0.5m², preferably at least 1 m². The luminous area is in this case formedby the sum of the radiation exit areas 174 of the individual organiclight-emitting diodes 1. In this case, each individual organiclight-emitting diode 1 preferably has an area content of its radiationexit area 174 of at least 0.5 dm².

In conjunction with the schematic illustration in FIG. 45C it is shownthat an insulator 240 is arranged at crossover points of the connectionconductors 236, said insulator electrically insulating the connectionconductors 236 from one another. By way of example, the connectionconductors 236 extending from left to right in FIG. 45B are at negativeelectrical potential. The connection conductors 236 extending from thebottom to the top in FIG. 45B are then at positive potential. Aninsulator 240 at least in the region of the crossover points of theconnection conductors 236 prevents the connection conductors 236 frombeing short-circuited.

Two alternative possibilities for driving the luminaire are brieflyexplained in conjunction with the schematic illustrations in FIGS. 46Aand 46B. Thus, the luminaire 2 can be driven for example by means of anoperating element 197 arranged at a wall (cf. FIG. 46A). Alternativelyor additionally, it is possible for the luminaire 2 to be operated bymeans of a remote control 202 (cf. FIG. 46B). Furthermore, it ispossible for the luminaire 2 to be drivable by means of a touch sensoror gesture control.

An exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 described here which serves forcovering an object is explained in greater detail in conjunction withthe schematic illustrations in FIGS. 47 to 49. By way of example, theluminaire 2 serves for covering the radiator 245.

A radiator 245 generally has a non-smooth surface, for example a surfacehaving heating lamellae, in which dust can settle particularly easily.The dust-sensitive regions of the radiator 245 can be clad with theluminaire 2 that can be used for covering the radiator. Furthermore, theluminaire 2 enhances the visual impression of the radiator 245. Thevisible exterior area of the radiator 245 is replaced by the luminaire2, which can serve as a light for the general lighting of the room inwhich the radiator is arranged.

The mounting of the luminaire 2 on the radiator 245 in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the luminaire 2 that can serve for coveringis explained in further detail in conjunction with FIGS. 47A and 47B.FIG. 47C shows, on the basis of a schematic view, a rear wall 246 of theluminaire 2, said rear wall facing the radiator 245 when the luminaire 2is in the mounted state. The rear wall 246 is pervaded by a plurality ofcooling channels 247, for example, which can extend along the entirewidth of the rear wall 246.

As is evident from the schematic plan view of the top side of theradiator 245 with luminaire 2 in FIG. 470, the cooling channels 247 areembodied as indentations in the rear wall 246 of the luminaire 2. Thatis to say the thickness of the rear wall 246 is reduced in the region ofthe cooling channels 247.

If the radiator 245 is operated, then, along the cooling channels 247convection of air takes place, which upon flowing through the coolingchannels 247 cools the rear wall 246 of the luminaire 1. In this way,the organic light-emitting diode 1 is also cooled during operation, suchthat no permissible heating of the organic light-emitting diode 1 canarise. In addition, the rear wall 246 and the organic light-emittingdiode 1 of the luminaire 2 can be thermally insulated from one anotherby a thermal insulation layer (not illustrated). The thermal insulationlayer can be formed for example with a material having poor thermalconductivity, such as styropor.

Alongside the cooling channels 247, fixing means 248 are provided at therear wall 246. The fixing means 248 are, in a simple exemplaryembodiment, adhesive strips by means of which the luminaire 2 can befixed to the radiator 245.

However, it is also possible for the fixing means 248 to be magnets,such that the luminaire 2 adheres to the radiator 245 by means ofmagnetic forces. Other types of fixtures such as screwing or clamping,for example, are also possible.

Furthermore, a temperature sensor 249 is arranged at the rear wall 246of the luminaire 2. The temperature of the radiator 245 is measured bymeans of the temperature sensor 249. Depending on the measuredtemperature, it is possible to set, for example, the light intensityand/or the light locus and/or the light temperature of the light emittedby the luminaire 2, that is to say by the organic light-emitting diode1. That means that there is a correlation between the temperature of theradiator 245 and the electromagnetic radiation 190 emitted by theluminaire 2 through the radiation exit area 174 of the organiclight-emitting diode 1. In this way, therefore, the luminaire 2 alsoserves as a temperature indicator for the heat generated by the radiator245 during operation.

Further exemplary embodiments of the luminaire 2 that serves forcladding a heating system are explained in greater detail in conjunctionwith the schematic perspective illustration in FIG. 48. In these cases,the luminaire 2 is arranged in front of a radiator 245 for example bymeans of a stand 251 or a screw connection 252, such that said radiatoris covered by the respective luminaire 2. In these cases, there is notnecessarily a connection composed of condensed matter between theradiator and the luminaire 2. Therefore, the luminaire 2 can be arrangedat a distance from the radiator 245, wherein the gap between radiator245 and luminaire 2 is filled with air. In such a case, by way ofexample, the cooling channels 249 described in conjunction with FIGS.47A to 47D can be dispensed with since sufficient cooling by means ofconvection takes place via the gap.

In conjunction with FIGS. 49A and 495, a further exemplary embodiment ofa luminaire 2 which is used for covering a radiator 245 is described ingreater detail with reference to schematic sectional illustrations. Inthis exemplary embodiment, by way of example, a temperature sensor 249can be dispensed with. Instead, a regulation of the heat 250 emitted bythe radiator 245 is effected simultaneously with a regulation of theelectromagnetic radiation 190 emitted by the luminaire 2. That is to saythat, with an increase in the temperature generated by the radiator 245,for example the color temperature T of the light 190 emitted by theluminaire 2 is decreased or increased. Such a regulation can be effectedby means of a remote control 202, by means of touch-sensitive operatingelements 197 and/or by means of the valve control of the radiator 245.

Overall, any combination of the organic light-emitting diodes 1described here can be used for the luminaire described in conjunctionwith FIGS. 47 to 49. In this case, it is also possible, for example, forthe rear wall 245 to have an area 185 a to be illuminated which isilluminated by the organic light-emitting diode 1 of the luminaire, asdescribed in greater detail for example in conjunction with FIGS. 26 and27. By way of example, the area 185 a to be illuminated is the pictorialreproduction of an open fire. By means of the organic light-emittingdiode 1 of the luminaire 2, the area 185 a to be illuminated can then beilluminated in flickering fashion in the manner of a candle. In thisway, the impression of a blazing fire arises in the region of theradiator 245. Such flickering can be effected, for example, by operationof the organic light-emitting diode 1 of the luminaire 2 with temporallyvarying current intensities. This can be achieved in a simple manner bymeans of a pulse width modulation circuit.

It is also possible for the luminaire 2 to comprise segmented organiclight-emitting diodes 1 or a multiplicity of organic light-emittingdiodes 1 which can be suitable for generating light of mutuallydifferent colors.

Besides a covering for a radiator 245, the luminaire 2 can, for example,also be used for covering an air-conditioning system or a ventilationshaft in a low-energy house. In this case, particularly if a temperaturesensor 249 is present, the luminaire 2 is particularly well suited tocovering and cladding elements which are intended to be used for coolingand/or for heating a room. In this case, the luminaire 2 serves as anesthetically appealing temperature indicator which brightens the room.

A further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 described here isexplained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 50A to 500.

FIG. 50A shows the luminaire 2 in a schematic perspective illustration.The luminaire 2 is a light having a large-area radiation exit area 174,which can be used for example as a desk lamp for illuminating a workarea.

The luminaire 2 comprises as light source preferably at least oneorganic light-emitting diode 1 as described in greater detail inconjunction with FIGS. 1 to 31.

The luminaire 2 has a radiation exit area 174, which can comprise anarea of 0.1 m² or more. By way of example, the radiation exit area 174has a rectangular basic shape having a length l of at least 50 cm and aheight h of at least 20 cm.

In this case, the luminaire 2 can be embodied such that it emits on bothsides, and so, during operation, it can illuminate, for example, twoworkstations arranged opposite each other. In this case, the luminaire 2can also comprise a transparent organic light-emitting diode 1 and, inthis way, itself be embodied in transparent fashion.

Furthermore, it is possible for the luminaire 2 to have an area 185 a tobe illuminated which is arranged on the opposite side of the luminaire 2to the radiation passage area 174. In this way, in the switched-offstate, the luminaire 2 can represent for example an image, a calendar ora company logo.

In conjunction with FIG. 50B it is schematically illustrated that theluminaire 2 can emit electromagnetic radiation 190 in a directionalmanner. For this purpose, the luminaire 2 comprises for example at leastone organic light-emitting diode 1 embodied for example as described inconjunction with FIGS. 21 to 25. That is to say that the organiclight-emitting diode 1 comprises a structured radiation exit area 175,which is structured into areas 175 a and 175 b, in such a way thatelectromagnetic radiation 190 is emitted downward, for example toward adesk surface. Advantageously, therefore, no electromagnetic radiation190 is emitted upward, for example away from a desk surface, into theface of the user of the luminaire 2. The luminaire 2 is therefore adazzle-free luminaire which can be used particularly well for desk work.

Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous that the luminaire 2 isembodied with a particularly large area. In this way, a relatively lowluminance at the radiation exit area 174 is sufficient for sufficientillumination of the work area. That is to say that, in the luminaire 2,a high luminance does not have to be concentrated on a relatively smallradiation exit area, as is the case, for example, in a conventional desklamp with an incandescent bulb or halogen lamp. Rather, the emittedlight can be distributed over a large area and the luminance cantherefore be reduced. This results in a luminaire 2 which isparticularly dazzle-free and yields light similar to daylight—at leastin the region of the work area.

An example for the operation of the luminaire 2 is explained in greaterdetail in conjunction with FIG. 50C. By way of example, in this case itis possible to integrate a touch-sensitive organic light-emitting diode1 with a touch-sensitive operating element 197 in the luminaire. Bymoving over part of the radiation exit area 174 of the luminaire 2, itis then possible for the luminaire 2 to be switched on or dimmed.

In conjunction with FIG. 50D it is shown that the luminaire 2, onaccount of its relatively large length l of at least 50 cm, for example,can also serve for guiding electrical cables. In this case, a cableshaft 255 is integrated into the luminaire 2, which cable shaft can beembodied integrally for example with a stand 251 of the luminaire 2.

In this case, besides its properties for general lighting, the luminaire2 also serves as an ordering system.

Further exemplary embodiments of a luminaire 2 described here areexplained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 51 to 53. In thiscase, the luminaire 2 serves for general lighting and as a room divider.

The luminaire 2 as shown in conjunction with the schematic illustrationsin FIGS. 51A and 51B is a large-area light. The luminaire has aradiation exit area 174 of preferably at least 0.5 m², particularlypreferably of at least 1 m². The radiation exit area 174 of theluminaire is arranged between two stands 251, which can also serve formaking electrical contact with the luminaire 2.

The luminaire 2 comprises at least one organic light-emitting diode 1;preferably, the luminaire 2 comprises a multiplicity of organiclight-emitting diodes 1 which are connected in parallel and/or in serieswith one another, for example. The at least one organic light-emittingdiode can then be embodied as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to31.

The luminaire 2 can comprise a touch-sensitive organic light-emittingdiode 1 with an operating element 197. By means of the operating element197, the luminaire 2 can be switched on or off and/or dimmed, forexample. Furthermore, it is possible that the selection of a colortemperature T or of a color locus O for the electromagnetic radiationemitted by the luminaire 2 can be effected by means of the operatingelement 197.

The luminaire 2 can be a luminaire which emits on both sides and whichis embodied such that it scatters light diffusely. That is to say that,in this case, the luminaire 2 is not embodied in transparent fashion,but rather merely in radiation-transmissive fashion in the manner of anopalescent glass pane, for example. In this way, besides its propertiesfor general lighting, the luminaire 2 also serves as a room divideraffording a concealing screen. Furthermore, it is possible for theluminaire 2 to emit electromagnetic radiation 190 only from one side andto appear like a customary room divider from the other side.

By means of the luminaire 2 it is possible, on account of the largeradiation exit area 174, to generate dazzle-free light since relativelylow luminances are necessary in order to illuminate a room by means ofthe luminaire 2.

In conjunction with FIGS. 52A to 52C it is illustrated that theluminaire 2, embodied as a room divider, can have a radiation exit area174 of variable size. This can be achieved, for example, by virtue ofthe fact that the luminaire 2 has a radiation passage area 174 that canbe rolled up and unrolled.

For this purpose, by way of example, as illustrated in conjunction withFIG. 52B, the luminaire 2 is subdivided into individual lamellae, whichcan each be formed by rigid organic light-emitting diodes 1. Thelamellae, that is to say the individual organic light-emitting diodes 1,are mechanically and electrically connected to one another by connectionconductors 236. The connection conductors 236 themselves are embodied inflexible fashion, for example in the sense of a power cable that can beunrolled and rolled up. In this case, the luminaire 2 comprises amultiplicity of organic light-emitting diodes 1 arranged in a series oneafter another.

Furthermore, it is possible for the luminaire 2, as illustrated inconjunction with FIG. 52C, to have a radiation exit area 174 that is notsubdivided into individual lamellae. By way of example, the luminaire 2comprises for this purpose exactly one, large-area organiclight-emitting diode 1. Furthermore, it is possible for the luminaire 2to comprise a multiplicity of organic light-emitting diodes 1 arrangedin the manner of a matrix. The organic light-emitting diodes 1 can beflexible organic light-emitting diodes that are introduced between twofilms. In this way, a large-area luminaire 2 that can be rolled up andunrolled can be constructed from a multiplicity of smaller, flexibleorganic light-emitting diodes 1.

In conjunction with FIG. 53 it is illustrated that the luminaire 2,which forms a room divider, can also involve sound protection. In thiscase, the luminaire 2 has a rear wall 246 formed with at least oneinsulating material 256 suitable for acoustic insulation. In a simplecase, the rear wall 246 can be a styropor panel. As light source of theluminaire 2, at least one organic light-emitting diode 1 is thenconnected to the insulating material 256 forming the rear wall 246.

An exemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here in which theluminaire is embodied as a louver is explained in greater detail inconjunction with FIGS. 54A to 54C. In this case, the luminaire 2comprises a multiplicity of organic light-emitting diodes 1 which areelectrically contact-connected and mechanically held by means of aholding device 239. At one end face, the organic light-emitting diodes 1comprise a connection plug 257, which engages into the holding device239. The luminaire 2 can be electrically connected by means ofconnection conductors 236, for example. The holding device 239 is arail, for example, in which the individual organic light-emitting diodes1 are fixed by means of the connection plug. The organic light-emittingdiodes 1 can be displaced in the rail.

In this case, the organic light-emitting diodes 1 can be embodied inflexible or rigid fashion. By way of example, the organic light-emittingdiodes 1 have, as first carrier 130, a metal sheet having reflectiveproperties. In this way, that side of each organic light-emitting diode1 which faces away from the radiation exit area 174 is embodied inreflective fashion. In this case, besides its properties for roomlighting, the luminaire 2 also serves for room darkening and/or as aconcealing screen.

The luminaire 2 can comprise different organic light-emitting diodes 1,such that light of different colors or having different color effectscan be generated by means of the luminaire 2. The luminaire 2 isarranged in front of a window for example in the sense of a curtain orlouver, and in this way generates, even under poor outside lightconditions, daylight-like illumination of the room in which theluminaire 2 is arranged. That is to say that the main light of the roomis situated for example in the region of the window in which theluminaire 2 is arranged. In this way, when the luminaire 2 is switchedon, illumination of the room similar to that through the window takesplace. In this case, the luminaire 2 can form the main light source of aroom, such that it is possible to dispense with further light sources inthe room.

In this case, the organic light-emitting diodes 1 used as light sourcesof the luminaire 2 are preferably embodied as described in one of FIGS.1 to 31 or as a combination of the organic light-emitting diodes 1described there.

A further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 described here isexplained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 55A to 55D. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the luminaire, besides its function forgeneral lighting, also serves as a concealing screen. The luminaire 2has, for example, at least three radiation exit areas 174 embodied aswalls.

The schematic perspective illustration in FIG. 55A shows the luminaire 2in a switched-off operating state. In this switched-off operating state,the luminaire 2 is transparent. For this purpose, the luminaire 2comprises, for example, at least one organic light-emitting diode 1 aslight source which is embodied in transparent fashion.

In conjunction with the basic perspective schematic diagram in FIG. 55B,the luminaire 2 is shown in a switched-on operating state. In thisswitched-on operating state, the luminaire 2 emits electromagneticradiation 190. In this case, it is possible for the electromagneticradiation to be emitted both outward, into the room, and inward, intothe cubicle enclosed by the walls of the luminaire 2. In this case, theluminaire 2 serves both for lighting the interior of the cubicle and asan indicator device for indicating that the cubicle is occupied by auser.

Furthermore, in the switched-on operating state, the luminaire 2 nolonger appears transparent, but rather is visually impenetrable. This isachieved, for example, by virtue of the fact that the luminaire 2comprises an electrically switchable optical element 186 as described ingreater detail in conjunction with FIG. 27. The electrically switchableoptical element 186 is then an electrically switchable diffuser or anelectrochromic material. The switching of the luminaire into theswitched-on, luminous and visually impenetrable operating state, asillustrated in greater detail in FIG. 55B, can in this case be effectedfor example by the cubicle being entered.

By way of example, a switch can be actuated by means of the actuation ofdoors at the luminaire 2. Furthermore, it is possible for the luminaire2 to comprise a light barrier 260, as is explained in greater detail forexample in conjunction with FIGS. 55C and 55D. In the event of saidlight barrier being crossed, said light barrier comprising a pluralityof light-emitting diodes 210, laser diodes and/or optical sensors, forexample, the luminaire 2 is switched on.

In this case, the luminaire described can be used for example as achanging cubicle. In this case, it is also possible that the colortemperature T and/or color locus O of the light generated by theluminaire 2 can be set by the user of the luminaire 2. In this way, theclothing being tried on by the user can be checked by the user underdifferent lighting conditions. The user can thereby check for examplethe effect of the clothing in daylight, office lighting, twilight andthe like.

Furthermore, the luminaire described can be used as a separating wall inan open-plan office. The light emitted by the luminaire then serves asan office light and signals that the workstation at which the luminaire2 is situated is occupied. Switching between transparent and diffuse canalso be effected independently of the light emission by the luminaire,such that the user of the luminaire can switch the latter to benon-radiation-transmissive, in diffusely scattering fashion, asnecessary, in order to create a more private working atmosphere.

FIGS. 56A to 56C show, on the basis of schematic illustrations, afurther exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2 described here. In thisexemplary embodiment, the luminaire 2 forms solar protection—besides itsproperties for general lighting.

FIG. 56A shows the luminaire 2 on the basis of a schematic sectionalillustration in a switched-off operating state. The luminaire 2 is inthis switched-off operating state for example during the day, uponinsulation. In this operating state, the luminaire 2 serves for lightprotection and casts a shadow 265. For this purpose, the luminaire 2 hasa, for example, reflective surface at its top side facing away from theradiation exit area 174, said reflective surface reflecting theimpinging radiation 191. Furthermore, it is possible for the luminaire 2to be embodied, at its top side facing away from the radiation exit area174, as a solar cell which, for example upon insulation, generatescurrent by means of which the luminaire 2 can be operated later, forexample at night. By way of example, the document U.S. Pat. No.7,317,210 discloses a combination of organic light-emitting diode andsolar cell which can be used in this case.

In conjunction with the schematic illustration in FIG. 56B, theluminaire 2 is shown in a switched-on operating state. In theswitched-on operating state, the luminaire 2 emits electromagneticradiation 190 from its radiation exit area 174. In this case, theluminaire 2 preferably comprises a multiplicity of organiclight-emitting diodes 1 or at least one organic light-emitting diode 1subdivided into a multiplicity of segments 203. Each of the segments, oreach organic light-emitting diode 1, can be suitable for generatinglight of a different color or having a different color temperature thanother segments 203, or light-emitting diodes 1, of the luminaire 2.Depending on the operation of the organic light-emitting diodes 1 or ofthe segments 203, it is thus possible to generate different light moodsby means of different color loci and/or color temperatures of theemitted light. In this case, the different color loci and/or colortemperatures can also be generated in different regions of the luminaire2. That is to say that, for example, regions of the radiation exit area174 can, for example, rather emit reddish light, whereas other regionsof the radiation exit area 174 rather emit bluish light, for example. Inthis case, the regions of the radiation exit area 174 preferably eachcomprise a multiplicity of organic light-emitting diodes 1 or segments203.

The construction of the luminaire and also the contact-connection of theindividual organic light-emitting diodes 1, or of the segments 203, canbe as described in conjunction with FIG. 45.

Organic light-emitting diodes 1 as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1to 31 are preferably used as organic light-emitting diodes 1.

The luminaire 2 is a large-area luminaire preferably having an areacontent of a radiation exit area 174 of at least 5 m², particularlypreferably of at least 10 m². In this case, the radiation exit area 174of the luminaire 2 is composed of the radiation exit areas of theorganic light-emitting diodes 1 or of the segments 203.

In conjunction with FIG. 56C it is schematically illustrated that powercan be supplied to the luminaire 2 via a stand 251, in which connectionconductors 236 are laid.

Further exemplary embodiments of luminaires described here are shown inconjunction with FIGS. 57A and 57B. In these exemplary embodiments, theluminaire 2 is embodied as a bag 266. The luminaire 2 can be used forexample as a rucksack or as a school satchel.

For this purpose, organic light-emitting diodes 1 are applied orintegrated at least on places of the bag 266. The organic light-emittingdiodes 1 are preferably embodied in flexible fashion, such that they canadapt to the contours of the bag 266. That is to say that the bag 266has at least one radiation entrance area 174, through whichelectromagnetic radiation 190, preferably light, leaves the luminaire.

In this case, the luminaire 2 comprises at least one organiclight-emitting diode 1 which—as described by way of example inconjunction with FIGS. 29 and 30—comprises a retroreflector. In thisway, even when the organic light-emitting diode 1 is not switched on,the luminaire 2 reflects impinging electromagnetic radiation andtherefore serves, in this case, too, for better visibility of the userof the luminaire 2.

In conjunction with the schematic illustration in FIG. 57A it isfurthermore explained that the bag 266 can have a slot 286, for example,in which is arranged a rechargeable battery 267 by means of which theorganic light-emitting diode 1 of the luminaire 2 is supplied withelectric current.

As an alternative or in addition to the embodiment of the luminaire 2 asa bag, it is furthermore conceivable for the luminaire 2 to be embodiedas protective clothing, work clothing, headband, head covering or thelike. At all events the luminaire 2 comprises at least one organiclight-emitting diode 1 having a retroreflector. The luminaire 2 thusserves for improved visibility of its user both in the switched-on andin the switched-off operating state.

Further exemplary embodiments of a luminaire 2 described here areexplained in greater detail in conjunction with the schematicillustrations in FIGS. 58A and 58B. In these exemplary embodiments, theluminaire 2 serves as emergency lighting, for example as a campinglight.

The luminaire 2 has a radiation exit area 174. Furthermore, theluminaire 2 has a solar cell 269 at the side lying opposite theradiation exit area 174. The solar cell 269 can be a flexible inorganicor organic solar cell embodied in film-like fashion. At least oneorganic light-emitting diode 1 that is flexible and preferably emitswhite light serves as light source of the luminaire 2.

The luminaire 2 can be operated in two different operating states.Firstly, the luminaire 2 can be rolled to form a cylinder, which isclosed by a connector 237. Connection locations for making contact withthe luminaire 2 via connection conductors 236 can be situated at theconnector 237.

In another operating state, the luminaire 2 can be rolled out. In thiscase, the luminaire 2 can be operated in suspended fashion, for example,by means of the connection conductors 236 and, if appropriate, a holdingdevice 239, which can likewise be embodied in the manner of a wire orcable. In conjunction with FIG. 58A it is illustrated, for example, thatthe luminaire 2 is suspended from the branches of a tree. In this case,the radiation exit area 174 faces the ground, and the solar cell 269 isdirected away from the ground.

Such a luminaire 2 can be charged by insulation, during the day, forexample in the suspended state. At night, the luminaire 2 thencontinuously emits electromagnetic radiation 190 through the radiationexit area 174. In this case, the luminaire 2 is preferably operated asemergency or camping lighting, such that relatively low luminances aresufficient.

As an alternative to solar operation, which can be realized for exampleby means of a rechargeable battery integrated into the luminaire 2, theluminaire 2 can also be connected to an external power source, such asan automobile battery, for example, via the connection conductors 236.

In conjunction with FIG. 59, a further exemplary embodiment of aluminaire 2 described here is explained in greater detail with referenceto a schematic perspective illustration. The luminaire 2 is a large-arealuminaire which can be operated for example by means of a rechargeablebattery 267—in the present case an automobile battery. The luminaire hasa radiation exit area 174. The luminaire is fixed to a motor vehiclesuch as an automobile or a bus by means of the fixing means 248, forexample. The fixing means 248 can be a magnet or an adhesive connection.

The luminaire 2 preferably comprises at least one organic light-emittingdiode 1 as described here. The organic light-emitting diode 1 can be aflexible organic light-emitting diode 1 that illuminates an area 185 ato be illuminated. The area 185 a to be illuminated is, for example, abillboard or a company logo. The luminaire 2 can thus be used foradvertising purposes on motor vehicles.

A further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire described here isexplained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 60A to 60D. Inthis case, the luminaire 2 forms an umbrella 270. The umbrella 270 emitselectromagnetic radiation 190 from its inner area.

This can be realized, firstly, by virtue of the luminaire 2 comprisingat least one organic light-emitting diode 1 embodied in flexiblefashion. The organic light-emitting diode 1 can then be situated on theinner side of the crown of the umbrella 270 or form the crown of theumbrella 270.

By way of example, electrical contact is made with the at least oneorganic light-emitting diode 1 by means of the struts or paragon rods270 a of the umbrella 270. The organic light-emitting diode 1 of theumbrella 270 can then be energized by means of at least one rechargeablebattery 267, which can be arranged in the grip or handle 270 d of theumbrella 270 (cf. FIG. 60D, for example).

As an alternative or in addition to at least one organic light-emittingdiode 1, it is possible for the umbrella 270 to comprise at least oneinorganic light-emitting diode 210 as light source. The at least oneinorganic light-emitting diode 210 is fixed for example to or in thetube 270 a of the umbrella 270. By way of example, the inorganiclight-emitting diodes 210 are fixed to the slide 270 b or below theslide 270 b of the umbrella 270. The inorganic light-emitting diodes 210emit onto the inner side of the crown 270 e of the umbrella 270, whichis embodied as a reflector 271 or organic light-emitting diode 1 havinga reflective layer.

In this case, the reflector 271 can be embodied in such a way that itemits electromagnetic radiation 190 in a directional fashion. It isthereby possible for the umbrella to emit radiation when being heldvertically in the direction of movement of the user and, in this way, toilluminate the path ahead of the user.

Preferably, the inorganic light-emitting diodes 210 are fixedlyconnected to the slide 270 b of the umbrella 270, such that, in theevent of the umbrella 270 being open, they are conveyed into a positionlying closely below the crown 270 e of the umbrella 270. The lighting bythe inorganic light-emitting diodes 210 can then be switched on at thesame time as the slide 270 b is slid up. However, it is also possiblethat the lighting can be switched on separately, such that it isactivated for example only under poor visibility conditions.

In conjunction with FIG. 60D it is schematically illustrated that atleast one rechargeable battery 267 as power supply for the light sourcesof the luminaire 2 forming an umbrella 270 can be arranged in the handle207 d of the umbrella. This can be charged, for example, by connectionto an electrical power supply. Overall, the luminaire 2 in the exemplaryembodiment in FIGS. 60A to 60D constitutes a mobile light which enablesimproved visibility and an improved view for the user under poorvisibility conditions including in road traffic.

FIGS. 61A to 61C show a further exemplary embodiment of a luminaire 2described here in schematic illustrations.

The luminaire 2 in the present case is a vehicle light such as, forexample, a brake light, an indicator light 280 and/or a rear light 281.What is common to the vehicle lights mentioned in this case is that theyare integrated in a vehicle window 275. The luminaires 2 comprise, forexample, a transparent organic light-emitting diode, the first carrier130 and second carrier 131 of which are in each case formed with aglass. The organic light-emitting diodes 1 are therefore integrated astransparent organic light-emitting diodes into parts of the vehiclewindows 275. In this way it is possible to form an indicator light 280,for example, which can extend over the entire length of the vehicle.This increases the noticeability of the vehicle in road traffic.

By way of example, the organic light-emitting diodes 1 described inconjunction with FIGS. 1 to 31 are used as organic light-emitting diode1 for the luminaire 2 embodied as a vehicle light.

If the luminaire 2 is a rear light 281 or a brake light, then theluminaire can comprise an organic light-emitting diode 1 having aretroreflector, as explained in greater detail for example inconjunction with FIGS. 29 and 30. In this case, even in the switched-offoperating state, the luminaire 2 can reflect back red light, for examplewhen irradiated by an automobile headlight.

As explained in conjunction with the schematic illustration in FIG. 61C,the luminaire 2 can be connected to the automobile battery of the motorvehicle for power supply via connection conductors 236.

In conjunction with FIG. 62, a further exemplary embodiment of aluminaire described here is explained in greater detail with referenceto a schematic perspective illustration. In this exemplary embodiment,for the purpose of forming the luminaire 2, a transparent organiclight-emitting diode is integrated over the whole area into a vehiclewindow 275—here into the rear window. That is to say that the rearwindow 275 is formed by a transparent organic light-emitting diode 1.Such a luminaire 2 can serve for example for illuminating the interiorof a trunk when the vehicle is not being driven.

Furthermore, it is possible for the organic light-emitting diode 1 tocontain an emitter material suitable for generating infraredelectromagnetic radiation. In this case, the organic light-emittingdiode 1 can also be used for deicing a vehicle window 275. The organiclight-emitting diode 1 then need not necessarily also be suitable forgenerating visible light. In particular, it is possible in this case forall the vehicle windows 275 of the motor vehicle to be formed bytransparent organic light-emitting diodes which are suitable forgenerating infrared electromagnetic radiation during operation. In thisway, it is also possible, for example, to heat a front window of themotor vehicle, without heating wires threading through the window orwithout having to arrange in the vehicle a fan that blows hot air ontothe vehicle window 275. In this way, it is also possible to prevent thevehicle windows 275 from steaming up.

By means of an optical cavity as explained in greater detail inconjunction with FIGS. 26 and 27, it is possible for the entire or atleast a majority of the infrared radiation generated to be directedtoward the outside, out of the vehicle. In this case, by way of example,snow lying on the vehicle windows 275 can be melted away particularlyefficiently.

In conjunction with FIG. 63, a further exemplary embodiment of aluminaire 2 described here is explained in greater detail with referenceto a schematic perspective illustration. In this case, in order to formthe luminaire 2, an organic light-emitting diode 1 is integrated in sideareas of a trunk. The organic light-emitting diode 1 is integrated intothe side areas of a trunk purely by way of example. In principle, it ispossible for an organic light-emitting diode 1 to be fitted at anylocation in the interior of the motor vehicle. In particular, an organiclight-emitting diode 1 can also be integrated onto the inner side of thevehicle roof or into the base of the trunk. The organic light-emittingdiode 1 allows large-area illumination of the interior of the motorvehicle, without high luminances having to be used for this purpose—onaccount of the relatively large area of the light exit area 175 of theorganic light-emitting diode 1. That means that the organiclight-emitting diode 1 allows illumination of the interior of the motorvehicle with relatively low luminances, thus resulting in dazzle-freelighting.

In conjunction with FIGS. 64A to 64C, a further exemplary embodiment ofa luminaire described here is explained in greater detail with referenceto schematic illustrations. In this exemplary embodiment, the luminaire2 forms a warning sign 285 such as can be used in road traffic, forexample. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 64B and 64C, the warning sign285 is embodied in flexible fashion, such that it can be rolled up andunrolled. In FIG. 64B it is explained that the warning sign 285 can, forthis purpose, be divided into individual organic light-emitting diodes 1that are connected to one another by means of flexible connectionconductors 236 that can be rolled up and unrolled.

In conjunction with FIG. 64C it is shown that the warning sign 285 canalso be formed by one fully flexible organic light-emitting diode 1.

In both embodiments of the warning sign 285 it can be expedient for thewarning sign 285 to emit electromagnetic radiation from two main areas.That is to say that the warning sign 285 is actively luminous from twosides, for example. By way of example, at least one organiclight-emitting diode 1 with retroreflector as explained in greaterdetail in FIGS. 29 and 30 is employed for forming the warning sign 285.In particular, it is possible for the warning sign 285 to have suchorganic light-emitting diodes 1 at both sides, such that it activelyemits and reflects electromagnetic radiation 190 from both sides.

Further exemplary embodiments of a luminaire 2 described here areexplained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 65A to 65C. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the luminaire 2 forms rain protection, forexample a bus shelter. In this case, the luminaire 2 can comprise aplurality of organic light-emitting diodes 1 embodied in transparentfashion. By way of example, the carriers 130, 131 of the luminaire 2form the basic body of the bus shelter and thus the rain protection. Anencapsulation can then be embodied as in conjunction with the luminaire2 embodied as a shower cubicle (cf. FIGS. 33 to 35).

Furthermore, it is also possible, as indicated in FIG. 65B, for at leastone of the organic light-emitting diodes 1 to be embodied as alarge-area display device which, by way of example, can display the nexttransport links, the time of day, the outside temperature or furthersimple information.

Finally, it is also possible, as described in greater detail inconjunction with FIG. 65C, for one of the luminaires 2 to serve forilluminating an area 185 a to be illuminated. The area 185 a to beilluminated is, for example, an advertisement such as a poster or thelike. In this case, the element 185 to be illuminated is exchangeable,such that the area 185 a to be illuminated can be changed from time totime.

This patent application claims the priority of German patent application102008061563.3, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments by thedescription on the basis of said exemplary embodiments. Rather, theinvention encompasses any novel feature and also any combination offeatures, which in particular includes any combination of features inthe patent claims, even if this feature or this combination itself isnot explicitly specified in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A luminaire comprising at least one organiclight-emitting diode as light source, wherein the organic light-emittingdiode comprises a plurality of functional layers which comprise at leastone radiation-emitting region in which electromagnetic radiation isgenerated during the operation of the organic light-emitting diode,wherein the organic light-emitting diode generates electromagneticradiation in the spectral range from infrared radiation to UV radiationduring operation, the organic light-emitting diode comprises at leastone encapsulation which forms a seal of the functional layers of theorganic light-emitting diode against environmental influences, theluminaire forms one of the following devices or is at least part of oneof the following devices: alarm clock, shower cubicle, shower head,solar protection, rain protection, lamp, bag, signaling light, changingcubicle, vision protection, housing, emergency lighting, mirror, tile,ceiling light, radiator cladding, louver, noise protection, umbrella,and warning light, the encapsulation comprises an encapsulation layersequence with a first encapsulation layer and a second encapsulationlayer, both encapsulation layers consist of an inorganic material, bothencapsulation layers comprise a volume structure, the volume structureof the second encapsulation layer has a higher amorphisity than thevolume structure of the first encapsulation layer, and the volumestructure of the first encapsulation layer is in crystalline orpoly-crystalline form and has lattice defects which form a permeationpath for moisture and/or oxygen and the second encapsulation layer isarranged directly on the first encapsulation layer and in direct contactwith the first encapsulation layer and has a common interface with thefirst encapsulation layer, wherein the second encapsulation layer isamorphous and does not continue the lattice defects of the firstencapsulation layer.
 2. A luminaire comprising at least one organiclight-emitting diode as light source, wherein the organic light-emittingdiode comprises a plurality of functional layers which comprise at leastone radiation-emitting region in which electromagnetic radiation isgenerated during the operation of the organic light-emitting diode,wherein the organic light-emitting diode generates electromagneticradiation in the spectral range from infrared radiation to UV radiationduring operation, the organic light-emitting diode comprises at leastone encapsulation which forms a seal of the functional layers of theorganic light-emitting diode against environmental influences, theluminaire forms one of the following devices or is at least part of oneof the following devices: alarm clock, shower cubicle, shower head,solar protection, rain protection, lamp, bag, signaling light, changingcubicle, vision protection, housing, emergency lighting, mirror, tile,ceiling light, radiator cladding, louver, noise protection, umbrella,and warning light, the encapsulation comprises an encapsulation layersequence with a first encapsulation layer and a second encapsulationlayer, both encapsulation layers consist of an inorganic material, bothencapsulation layers comprise a volume structure, wherein the volumestructure of the second encapsulation layer has a higher amorphisitythan the volume structure of the first encapsulation layer, and on theside facing away from the functional layers the encapsulation is coveredby a pre-encapsulation layer which serves for encapsulating the organiclayer sequence and as a planarization layer for the encapsulation,wherein the pre-encapsulation layer comprises a transparent epoxide or aradiation-transmissive adhesive and a second carrier is applied to thepre-encapsulation layer on a side of the pre-encapsulation layer facingaway from the encapsulation.
 3. The luminaire according to claim 2,wherein the carrier is a glass plate and the carrier is in directcontact with the pre-encapsulation layer.
 4. A luminaire comprising atleast one organic light-emitting diode as light source, wherein theorganic light-emitting diode comprises a plurality of functional layerswhich comprise at least one radiation-emitting region in whichelectromagnetic radiation is generated during the operation of theorganic light-emitting diode, wherein the organic light-emitting diodegenerates electromagnetic radiation in the spectral range from infraredradiation to UV radiation during operation, the organic light-emittingdiode comprises at least one encapsulation which forms a seal of thefunctional layers of the organic light-emitting diode againstenvironmental influences, and the luminaire forms one of the followingdevices or is at least part of one of the following devices: alarmclock, shower cubicle, shower head, solar protection, rain protection,lamp, bag, signaling light, changing cubicle, vision protection,housing, emergency lighting, mirror, tile, ceiling light, radiatorcladding, louver, noise protection, umbrella, and warning light, whereinthe encapsulation comprises an encapsulation layer sequence with a firstencapsulation layer and a second encapsulation layer, wherein bothencapsulation layers comprise a volume structure, wherein the volumestructure of the second encapsulation layer has a higher amorphisitythan the volume structure of the first encapsulation layer, and whereinon the side facing away from the functional layers the encapsulation iscovered by a pre-encapsulation layer which serves for encapsulating theorganic layer sequence and as a planarization layer for theencapsulation, wherein the pre-encapsulation layer comprises atransparent epoxide or a radiation-transmissive adhesive and a secondcarrier is applied to the pre-encapsulation layer on a side of thepre-encapsulation layer facing away from the encapsulation.
 5. Theluminaire according to claim 4, wherein the carrier is a glass plate andthe carrier is in direct contact with the pre-encapsulation layer.